Salvage of esophageal cripple with a lined pectoralis major tube flap.

A staged reconstructive procedure is described for the reconstruction of the entire thoracic esophagus. All primary alternatives for esophageal reconstruction were not applicable. The patient's thoracic esophagus was successfully reconstructed in two stages with a lined pectoralis major muscle tube, and it remains, eight months postoperatively, in good general condition without clinical or radiological evidence of any fistula, stricture, or obstruction. He enjoys an oral diet without restrictions and has gained a total of 19 pounds in the postoperative period.