Diaphragmatic flap repair after esophagotomy for esophageal penetration—a case report—

Abstract

In this case a 75-year-old man presented with fever and vomiting. Chest radiograph showed a dental prosthesis in the lower mediastinum, and the chest computed tomography (CT) revealed the prosthesis in the lower esophagus with free air in the mediastinum. After an attempt to remove the prosthesis by esophagogastroduodenoscopy, an esophagotomy was performed with left thoracotomy. The incisional site of the esophageal wall was closed with simple sutures patched with a diaphragmatic flap to prevent leakage. The patient was discharged without any signs of paralysis of the diaphragm, mediastinitis, or other complications.