Colonic interposition vs. gastric pull-up after total esophagectomy

Gastric pull-up is the most frequent reconstruction after esophagectomy. In this report we aimed to compare gastric pull-up with colonic interposition in terms of graft function and patient satisfaction. Of 62 patients undergoing esophagectomy, reconstruction was performed by colonic interposition in 11 and gastric pull-up in 51 (without pyloric drainage in 44 and with pyloric drainage in 7). All esophagectomies were performed transhiatally. Patient follow-up ranged from 6 to 132 months (median 14 months). Follow-up examinations were performed 1, 9, 15, and 24 months postoperatively. The following factors were evaluated: time to the start of oral liquid and solid nutrients without vomiting, frequency of regurgitation, presence of pillow staining (night regurgitation), postprandial fullness, and degree of satisfaction during and after eating compared between groups undergoing colonic interposition and gastric pull-up with or without pyloric drainage. Among patients undergoing gastric pull-up, regurgitation was observed in 22% to 27% during follow-up. None of the patients with colonic interposition had reflux or regurgitation. Twenty-five percent of patients with gastric pull-up without drainage and 66% of patients with gastric pull-up plus drainage had reflux esophagitis at 15 months. No esophagitis was observed in patients with colonic interposition during the same period. Overall satisfaction was superior in patients undergoing colonic interposition followed by gastric pull-up with no drainage. Colonic interposition after esophageal resection is a viable option. Our study suggests that function of the replacement is better in this group of patients.