Reconstruction of the thoracic oesophagus using autotransplanted small intestine. An experimental study in the piglet

A technique for overbridging thoracic oesophageal defects with revascularized intestinal autotransplants was evaluated in 32 piglets. A microvascular end-to-side anastomosis was performed between the 1.5 mm transplant artery and the aorta. Specially constructed vascular scissors were used to cut a suitable opening in the aorta. The venous anastomosis was performed between the transplant vein and the hemiazygous vein. After partial oesophageal resection, the revascularized autotransplant was interposed between the oesophageal ends and anastomosed. The series carried a high rate of complications, but the study showed, however, that the technical prerequisites exist to perform this kind of operation.