Indications, new surgical technique and results of colon interposition or bypass in esophageal surgery.

Over a 5-year period, 29 patients with esophageal disease underwent colon interposition or bypass. The indication was cure of cancer in 11 patients, who underwent earlier a gastric resection. Other indications was benign stricture in 7 patients, bypass for unrespectable cancer in 6, having a caustic injury in 3 and after an esophageal perforation in 2. In 14 patients the left colon, in 15 the right colon was used. The colon was transected without dividing the mesentery other than just along its mesenteric border. This preserves additional blood supply from the marginal artery, also improves the function of the graft in transporting food. Anastomosis leakage occurred in 4 cases (13.7%). Graft necrosis occurred in 2 of 29 patients, one of whom alter underwent a successful second reconstruction. The 30 day operative mortality rate was 13.7%. A colon interposition provides good quality of deglution, and is the organ of choice for patients who require an esophageal substitute and are potential candidates for long survival, or when the stomach is unsuited for replacement or bypass.