[Esophageal replacement in long stretch atresias by free transplanted small intestine mucosa]

The treatment of long gap oesophageal atresia is still a problem. In a self-developed method oesophageal defects were repaired by interposition of free jejunal mucosal/submucosal transplants. Two children, in whom long gap oesophageal-atresia was surgically repaired by inserting such transplants of 5 cm each, subsequently showed total histological healing, environmental adaptation with a surrounding fibrous scar. Functionally, there was free oesophageal passage to food. The children died of associated congenital anomalies three versus 12 months postoperatively. The advantages of this method are being emphasized.