Jejunum versus colon for free oesophageal reconstruction: an experimental radiological assessment

The reconstruction of the cervical oesophagus and the hypopharynx by revascularised bowel grafts has become a frequently described treatment option. Problems with the standard jejunal grafts have led us to suggest that the colon provides a suitable alternative. Experimental work in dogs demonstrates clear functional differences between colon and jejunum as free oesophageal grafts, and shows how structurally and functionally the colon integrates into the new position in the oesophagus better than the jejunum.