Prophylactic Pectoralis Major Muscle Flap in Esophageal Reconstruction: A Preventive Approach to Anastomotic Leakage.

ABSTRACT: Leakage from gastrointestinal flap anastomoses remains a significant challenge in reconstructive esophageal surgery, occurring in 10%-25% of cases, leading to prolonged hospital stays and high mortality rates. We explored a novel preventive approach, where the flap anastomosis is wrapped with a pectoralis major muscle (PMM) flap. We describe 3 patients (men aged 70-78 y) with esophageal cancer who underwent esophageal reconstruction with a jejunal flap followed by prophylactic PMM flap coverage. In case 1, the jejunal flap was supercharged and underwent esophagojejunal anastomosis. The esophagojejunal anastomosis was covered with the PMM flap. In case 2, pharyngojejunal and jejunogastric anastomoses were performed, and the latter was wrapped with a PMM flap. In case 3, the patient initiall

SUBMITTER: Kondo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487904 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature