Reconstruction of the Thoracic Esophagus Using Autotransplanted Small Intestine — An Experimental Study in the Piglet

Abstract

Several methods have been proposed to correct esophageal defects with bowel substitutes in the treatment of long-gap esophageal atresia. The most commonly used methods are the specific colonic interposition procedures named after Waterston and Sherman. A common disadvantage of these methods is that a huge amount of bowel must be used to bridge a rather small distance between the esophageal endings and all esophageal tissue available cannot be used for its original purpose.