Reconstruction of cervical esophageal anastomosis using median sternotomy

We performed cervical oesophageal anastomosis in 153 patients in 10 years. In 11 patients reconstruction or delayed anastomosis was performed through median sternotomy because cervical approach was not suitable. Reoperations were the following: 7 oesophageal stenosis which couldn't be dilated, 2 necrosis of the transplanted organ and 2 because of delayed anastomosis. 8 patients had oesophageal tumors and 3 erosive fluid reflux. During median sternotomy the transplanted organ was injured twice. In 9 patients after reconstruction dysphagia disappeared, in one pharyngo-ileostomy stenosis was noticed and one of the patients died because of ARDS after a leak.