Extrapleural suction buttress of primary esophageal repair

Buttress reinforcement of a primary esophageal repair after perforation may diminish the potential for breakdown or leakage of the approximation. We describe a method of reinforcing a primary esophageal repair by using pleural tissue that is secured in place with an extrapleural, soft T-tube attached to a suction device. This technique is simple to apply and may maximize recovery of respiratory function by permitting timely removal of chest tubes.