In order to study a novel resorbable oesophageal prosthesis, four centimetres of cervical oesophagus were replaced by a Vicryl tube in 26 dogs with an average weight of 16.9 kg. The implants were removed after 2, 4, 8 days and after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks. 19% of the animals died; not counting three dogs which were sacrificed earlier than planned, the overall lethality was 8%. Dehiscences occurred in 75%, of which 2/3 closed spontaneously within the first 10 days. Stenoses developed in 87%. All dogs had difficulty in swallowing. A fibrous tube with complete epithelial lining formed around the prosthesis within two weeks. Following this the prosthesis was lifted off and expelled per vias naturales.