Anastomosis instead of resection: An unusual approach for the treatment of a cervical esophageal duplication cyst

We report of a 5 year old boy with severe dysphagia. He was operated upon a tubular esophageal duplication located in the upper right mediastinum. Due to the existing severe esophageal stricture the malformation was not resected but unified with the originary lumen of the esophagus using a stapled anastomosis. Access was chosen via low collar incision. During follow up no further stricture occurred. The resection of esophageal duplications is the therapy of choice. In our case, union with the originary organ was performed due to its distinctive anatomical conditions. Besides the collar incision, as an access to an upper mediastinal mass, is a rather uncommon but safe technique to manage such malformations in children. Follow up investigations to eliminate formation of malignancies are recommended. The operative technique in this case is uncommon and has not been described in esophageal duplications yet. It should be considered as an operative strategy for specific anatomical conditions.