One-stage cervical esophageal and pharyngeal reconstruction for a fourth primary cancer

This case is presented to describe how an ellipse of skin taken with a pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap can be sewn in a spiral fashion to make a water-tight tube to replace the cervical esophagus. While this case may represent a technical triumph of the use of musculocutaneous flaps, we cannot help but feel it is a hollow victory because of the patient's addiction to cigarettes and alcohol. While constant attention and hard work have kept her alive for 16 years, with four primary cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and proximal esophagus, continued use of alcohol and cigarettes (Fig. 7) may well defeat our technical advances.