Successful application of an omental pedicle flap in delayed repair of a perforated esophageal diverticulum: Report of a case

Mediastinitis resulting from a perforated esophageal diverticulum is a potentially fatal complication and the surgical treatment of persistent esophagomediastinal fistula may be difficult. In this report, we describe the successful application of an omental pedicle flap in the delayed repair of a perforated esophageal diverticulum. A 53-year-old man presented with chest and back pain and a diagnosis of perforated esophageal diverticulum was subsequently confirmed. After receiving conservative treatment, he was referred to our department and underwent surgical repair 6 months following the onset of the perforation. Through a right thoracotomy, the mucosal layer of the esophagus around the diverticulum was sutured, and an omental pedicle flap was used to cover the suture line and obliterate the fistulous tract. His postoperative course was uneventful and the suture line healed well. The successful treatment of this patient reinforces our belief that wider application of the omental pedicle flap can be expected in the field of thoracic surgery.