The outcome of colonic replacement of the esophagus in children

Progress in Pediatric Surgery
|January 1, 1986
PubMed

Insights

Colonic esophageal replacement in children, primarily for atresia, showed a 13.4% mortality and 14.3% graft failure. Despite high anastomosis complication rates, long-term outcomes were favorable in over 90% of cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Esophageal replacement is a complex procedure for children with esophageal atresia or intractable strictures.
  • Colonic interposition is a common technique for esophageal reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the long-term outcomes and complications of colonic esophageal replacement in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this reconstructive method over a 30-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 112 children undergoing colonic esophageal replacement.
  • Procedures included transthoracic and retrosternal approaches for full or partial esophageal replacement.
  • Data collected on indications, surgical techniques, complications, and long-term outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 13.4% mortality (all in the atresia group) and 14.3% colonic graft failure.
  • High rates of proximal esophago-colonic anastomosis leakage (48.2%) and stricture (30.3%).
  • Over 90% of followed patients achieved excellent or good long-term outcomes (55.9% excellent, 35% good).

Conclusions:

  • Colonic esophageal replacement is a viable, though complex, option for pediatric esophageal reconstruction.
  • Careful surgical technique and management of anastomosis complications are crucial for successful outcomes.
  • Despite significant early complications, long-term functional results are generally favorable.

Related Concept Videos

Esophagus01:24

Esophagus

The esophagus, a muscular conduit linking the pharynx and stomach, measures roughly 10 inches (25.4 cm) and sits behind the trachea. It remains collapsed when not swallowing. The esophagus follows a predominantly straight path through the thoracic mediastinum and enters the abdominal cavity through a diaphragmatic opening known as the esophageal hiatus.
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...