Diaphragmatic reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi muscle flap following wide resection of the diaphragm combined with esophago-gastrectomy for cardial cancer.

Abstract

In three patients with cardial cancer invading the esophagus and the diaphragm, wide resection of the left diaphragm and its reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi muscle flap were performed during radical esophago-gastrectomy. More than two thirds of the diaphragm could be resected because the muscle flap was large enough to be brought into the thoracic cavity without difficulty, to repair the diaphragmatic defect. The postoperative respiratory function of these patients was adequately maintained. A technique for diaphragmatic reconstruction by means of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap is described in this report.