[Colon transplant for oesophageal carcinoma (author's transl)]

The most suitable procedure for oesophageal replacement is colon interposition. The extent and staging of the tumour and the patient's general condition must be considered more than hitherto in the assessment of the indication for surgical intervention. Colon interposition only for the purpose of restoring the act of swallowing is not indicated because of the poor life expectation and the high operative mortality. Alternative modern methods are megavoltage irradiation and tubular prosthetics in the case of disturbance in swallowing. In accordance with the literature we elect to use one layer of interrupted sutures. With anisoperistaltic interposition the incidence of cervical fistula development seems to be higher.