The most common complications after thyroidectomy areinjury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. Cervical esophagus perforation is an exceptionally rare complication after thyroidectomy; it can usually be resolved by conservative care. The most common cause of cervical esophagus is anterior spinal surgeries and there are reports of closure using muscle flaps esp. erector colli. In this report we are sharing our experience of cervical esophagus transection with tissue loss following thyroidectomy and presenting in the acute phase. Exploration was done and repair of esophagus by mobilization and reinforcing with sternocleidomastoid muscle from right side. The defect healed well with no stricture for a follow up period of 1 yr.

Keywords: Thyroidectomy Complications; Esophageal Perforation; Esophageal Transection; Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap.