Delayed hypopharyngeal and esophageal perforation after anterior spinal fusion: primary repair reinforced by pedicled pectoralis major flap.

Study Design: This report documents a case of delayed hypopharyngeal and esophageal perforation after anterior spinal fusion and reviews relevant literature.

Objectives: Presentation of an alternative solution of primary repair and reinforcement of a delayed esophageal and hypopharyngeal perforation after anterior spinal fusion.

Summary Of Background Data: Anterior plating is generally used for stabilization after cervical spine trauma. Esophageal and hypopharyngeal perforation is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication due to mediastinitis with consecutive septic shock and multiorgan failure.

Methods: Our patient was operated on after cervical trauma caused by car accident. The neurologic condition did not improve in the postoperative period. About 4 months later, the patient had increasing dysphagia as well as episodes of odynophagia. Flexible esophagoscopy showed a perforation of a part of the plate from the hypopharynx down to the proximal esophagus. Primary repair reinforced by a pedicled pectoralis major flap was done without complications.

Results: Postoperative fluoroscopy as well as endoscopy showed no signs of perforation. Swallowing was possible without any further episodes of dysphagia or odynophagia. Neck movement was unconfined.

Conclusions: Primary repair reinforced by pedicled pectoralis major flap has been shown to be an alternative in case of combined hypopharyngeal and esophageal perforation due to orthopedic spine stabilization. Advantage of the pectoralis major muscle flap is no functional loss of neck movement.