Intercostal Muscle Flap to Buttress the Bronchus at Risk and the Thoracic Esophageal-Gastric Anastomosis

An intercostal muscle flap is a versatile pedicle flap that can reach all bronchi. It is easy to harvest, adds no morbidity, and may protect the bronchi at risk. When harvested devoid of periosteum it does not ossify over time and it may reduce the pain of thoracotomy.