Replacement of the esophagus by a segment of colon provided with an antireflux valve.

A method has been developed to prevent reflux of gastric contents into an interposed segment of colon substituting for the esophagus. The operative procedure includes construction of an intussusception valve at the cologastric junction. The method was used in 5 patients, who have been followed clinically for 17 to 30 months. Clinical observations including endoscopy as well as radiography and dynamic scintigraphy indicate that the addition of an antireflux valve at the distal end of the interposed segment of colon prevents gastrocolic reflux without jeopardizing the emptying of the colon transplant.