The efficiency of autogenous pericardial flap was evaluated as an alternative surgical procedure for repairing lesion in the thoracic esophagus in the feline. Twelve adult cats were studied. Six animals were observed at the 15th day and other animals at the 30th day. All animals were submitted to esophageal resection and subsequently repair with autogenous pericardial graft. The animals were clinically evaluated after surgery. At the determined period of observation the animals were sacrificed. Gross and microscopic evaluation were done from the surgical site at the esopahagus. An esophageal mucous membrane proliferation was identified on most of the grafts.
pericardium; esophagus; feline; esophagoplasty; flap
