title: Improved repair of cervical esophageal fistula complicating anterior spinal fusion: free omental flap compared with pectoralis major flap. Report of four cases.
abstract: Esophageal injury is a serious complication of anterior cervical fusion. A team approach to the management of these cases is described. The authors performed spinal assessment, control of the fistula, and interposition of a vascularized flap between the spine and the esophagus. They compared the overall efficacy of the pectoralis major flap (pedicled; two cases) and omental flap (free; two cases).
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Plastic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Russell R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dutra
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Conley
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Ondra
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Dumanian
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013524:Surgical Flaps