[Colonic segments as visceral substitutes in children]

The many ways in which segments of the colon can be used as visceral substitutes are described in the light of a personal series of neonates with multiple deformities, including atresia of the oesophagus and rectum, and atresia of the rectum coupled with agenesis of the vagina. At birth, colostomy at the right and extremity of the transverse colon is recommended (e.g. in cases of anorectal atresia, since this does not interrupt the vascular arcades required to give a good blood supply to the visceral reconstruction (as described) at a later date.