Experimental assessment of free jejunal and colonic grafts of the esophagus.

The reconstruction of the cervical esophagus and the hypopharynx by revascularized bowel grafts has become a well-recognized treatment option and often is the method of first choice. Problems described by several protagonists of the standard revascularized jejunal graft have caused us to hypothesize that the colon provides both a suitable alternative and a solution to these problems. Experimental work in dogs demonstrates clear functional differences between colon and jejunum as free esophageal grafts. Video-fluoroscopic and manometric assessment of the two types of graft show that structurally and functionally the colon integrates into the new position in the esophagus better than does the jejunum.