Esophageal replacement with colon

Abstract

The first description of the anatomic details of esophageal replacement with colon is credited to Vuillet and Kelling in 1911. Von Hacker was the first to perform the procedure 3 years later. For many years, the colon was the primary substitute for a damaged or atretic esophagus. Colon interposition has given way to newer techniques transposing the stomach as the favored procedure for esophageal replacement in the adult population. Many of the pitfalls using the transposed colon in adults stem from problems with vascular supply to the graft. These problems are less commonly seen in the pediatric population, thus esophageal replacement with colon remains an acceptable choice with a high likelihood of longterm success in the pediatric population.