title: Esophagus atresia after cervical spine surgery: case report and literature review.
abstract: We report on a case of esophageal atresia following cervical spine surgery. A swallowing examination was performed using fibre-optic endoscopy and videofluoroscopy. There was scar tissue fixation of the larynx and esophagus to the cervical spine. Operative mobilization of the larynx and esophagus and formation of a sliding layer using a platysma-fascia flap was done. The PEG and tracheal cannula were removed; oral nutrition was initiated after 3 months. Swallowing disorders following operations on the upper cervical spine should be investigated. Careful preparation that preserves the layers should be carried out. Fixation of tissues as a result of scarring should be treated with a sliding layer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at UKB, Free University of Berlin, 12683, Berlin, Germany. ROSeidl@UKB.DE
authors.forename: Rainer O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Seidl
authors.forename: Ingo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Todt
authors.forename: Arne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ernst
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing