Salvage of a failed colon interposition in the esophagus with a free jejunal graft

A patient who had sustained lye burns of the esophagus had undergone reconstruction with a colon interposition. Because of necrosis and stricture of the interposed colon, he was unable to manage salivary secretions and was maintained on gastrostomy feedings. The defect from the pharynx to the midmanubrial level was reconstructed with a free jejunal graft by using microvascular surgical techniques. At 18-month follow-up, barium swallow roentgenography showed flow through the jejunal and colonic segments and into the stomach. The patient gained 15.9 kg postoperatively and was able to consume a normal diet.