Interdigitation of the distal anastomosis between tubed fasciocutaneous flap and cervical esophagus for stricture prevention.

Objectives/hypothesis: Distal end circular stricture is a major complication following circumferential pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with tubed fasciocutaneous free flaps. To reduce the stricture rates, we have incorporated spatulation with interdigitation at the distal anastomosis site. This study investigated whether this procedure could decrease the stricture rate.