Pleural flap for delayed presentation of intrathoracic esophageal perforation.

The authors report 2 cases of large intrathoracic esophageal perforation, as a complication of foreign body in 2 boys, 4 and 9-years-old. The delay in diagnosis was more than 36 hours in both cases that were treated successfully by a large pleural flap. Postoperatively, solid oral feeding was initiated after 2 weeks. Although gastrostomy was not performed on both patients, in cases of large esophageal perforation, it is recommended to establish early feeding and prevent aggressive vomiting.