Tubed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps for esophageal replacement in puppies: Long-term follow-up

Purpose: The aim of this study was to show that a tubed latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (tubed LDMCF) may be useful for treating circumferential esophageal defects. Methods: A segment of esophagus 3 vertebrae long was excised through a right thoracotomy in each of 6 puppies, and a tubed LDMCF was interposed between the cut ends of esophagus. The puppies were sacrificed after a mean follow-up period of 6.6 years. The tubed LDMCF was examined histologically. Functional integrity was assessed using barium meal and endoscopy before sacrifice. Results: All puppies survived and grew normally on a normal diet, although 4 vomited occasionally. There was smooth passage of barium through the tubed LDMCF without stenosis, although endoscopy showed regrowth of hair. Histologically, no metaplasia, dysplasia, or malignancy was observed in any tubed LDMCF. Conclusions: The tubed LDMCF is technically safe, obviates the necessity for laparotomy, and long-term follow-up would suggest that it is histologically stable. Thus, it could become an alternative procedure for bridging esophageal defects. J Pediatr Surg 35:1623-1625. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.