title: Intercostal pedicle flap for thoracic oesophageal perforations.
abstract: Oesophageal perforations are associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Intrathoracic perforations especially are associated with mediastinitis and sepsis. The repair of these perforations may be difficult, particularly when there has been a delay to diagnosis. We report our use of a method to repair or buttress the suture line after repair with a vascularized intercostal muscle flap, having used it successfully in two patients with intrathoracic oesophageal perforations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hollands
authors.forename: I C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tait
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007366:Intercostal Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery