Fistula repair following antethoracic esophageal reconstruction using a radial forearm free flap.

Abstract

The management of a fistula following retrosternal esophageal reconstruction proves particularly challenging. Two distinct tissue deficits must be considered for satisfactory reconstruction. The defect in the anterior wall of the colonic replacement and that of the adjacent soft tissues of the anterior chest wall can be closed simultaneously with a single, well-planned radial forearm free flap. A patient is presented who illustrates the design and implementation of a bivalved radial forearm free flap that provides two separate epithelial surfaces.