Refractory cutaneo-gastric conduit fistula after esophagectomy repaired by a pectoralis major muscle flap and split-thickness skin graft

BACKGROUND: Gastric conduit ulcer after esophagectomy is not uncommon. In cases where a gastric conduit ulcer penetrates the adjacent organs, it is difficult to select a suitable treatment strategy. The treatment depends on the adjacent organs penetrated. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case in which a reconstructed gastric conduit ulcer penetrated the precordial skin in a patient who had undergone esophagectomy due to spontaneous esophageal rupture 28 years previously. To treat the cutaneo-gastric conduit fistula, we resected the fistula, covered the site of anastomosis with a major pectoralis muscle flap, and applied a split-thickness skin graft to the skin defect. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of gastric conduit trouble in patients treated via the antesternal route, a major pectoralis muscle flap is useful because of its rich blood supply and easy mobilization. In addition, a split-thickness skin graft should be applied to the skin defect.