Tami, I did have complete closure by the time they did the surgery. This surgery can be done although with a complete closure, at least in Boston, although my impression is it is more risky (there's more chance of performation of the esophagus) and there are less surgeons willing to do it if the area that is closed is over a very long area of the esophagus. If they are doing the reconstruction you are talkiung about, they may try to open the area first anyway, I really don't know. I know the thoracic surgeon I saw there also does those kind of reconstructions. Best of luck with this.

Nelie