Use of colon as a substitute for the esophagus in children

Abstract

Our experience with eleven children in whom colon was used as a substitute for the esophagus is reported. Four patients had esophageal atresia, two had lye stricture of the esophagus, one had peptic esophagitis and stricture and four had esophageal varices. A good result was obtained in seven patients, a poor result in one patient and there were two deaths. Stricture, peptic erosion and bleeding have not occurred as complications, and subsequent growth and development have not been affected. Certain technical aspects of the procedure are discussed, and modifications are suggested which we believe, on the basis of our limited experience, should significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity of the operation. It is advised that the operation be divided into two stages, deferring the cervical esophagocecal anastomosis for at least two weeks after the initial procedure.