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Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation
Published on: March 22, 2017
The outcome of colonic replacement of the esophagus in children
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.
Abstract:
An analysis of 112 children undergoing colonic replacement of the esophagus over a 30-year period is presented. The indication for esophageal replacement was atresia in 92 children and intractable stricture (peptic, caustic, or congenital) in 20. The procedure consisted of a transthoracic replacement of the entire esophagus in 82 cases and a partial replacement in 18, while a retrosternal replacement was used in ten cases. Two colon loops had to be abandoned prior to reconstruction due to irreversible ischemic damage. There were 15 deaths (13.4%)--all in the atresia group. Failure of the colonic graft was encountered in 16 patients (14.3%) and accounted for six of the deaths. Leakage of the proximal esophago-colonic anastomosis occurred in 54 cases (48.2%). Strictures of this anastomosis developed in 34 cases (30.3%). A total of 20 patients required operative revision of the anastomosis. The final outcome was excellent in 43 of 77 cases followed up for up to 24 years postoperatively (55.9%), good in 27 cases (35%), and only fair in seven cases (9.1%).
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