[Cervical esophagus replacement with free, microsurgically anastomized jejunum transplant]

The reconstruction of the cervical esophagus has his limits by replacing the defect with long intestinal pedicles. The free intestinal transfer with microvascular anastomoses offers a new concept. After experimental free jejunal transfer in dogs in a 21-year-old male the esophagus was replaced by a jejunum segment of 60 cm, revascularized by the internal mammary vessels. At present, the patient is eating a diet of his choice some 7 months post surgery.