We previously reported 344 cases of esophageal reconstruction for caustic esophageal stricture between 1959 and 1982, and this is the second report of 69 cases during 12 year period from Jan. 1983 to Feb. 1995. There were 32 males and 37 females,
ranging in age from 4 to 65 years(mean 36.4 years). Caustic materials were acid in 37(53.7%) and alkali in 31 (44.9%). All cases underwent colon interposition without esophageal resection except 3 cases of cancer complication which were resected
through
thoracotomy. In 64 cases isoperistaltic right colon with teminal ileum interposition were performed, and 5 cases were interposed with left colon either isoperistaltic(2 cases)or antiperistaltic(3 cases) method. Anastomotic leakage was the most
frequently encountered complication(14.4%, 10 cases), and they were 11.6%(8 cases) from cervical, 2.8%(2 cases) from ileocolostoma. Overall operative mortality was 2.9%(2/69), min causes of death were sepsis due to graft necrosis and
mediastinitis.
During 6 months to 12years(mean 2.5years) follow-up survived 67 cases, 88.1%(59 cases)ate normally, 7.5%(5 cases) complained of moderate dysphagia(eating liquid diet), and 4.5%(3 cases) were unable to eat by mouth. In our experience,
reconstruction
of
the esphagus with the colon is a satisfactory method that can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and mortality. The right colon is a durable and functional esophageal substitute.
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