This experience attests that the majority of late complications following colonic esophageal substitution may be corrected by revisional surgery. The predominantly automatic propulsive movements of the isoperistaltically interposed grafts seem to provide an effective antireflux barrier against the gastrocolic reflux if some technical requirements (high gastric anastomosis, good gastric drainage, etc.) are respected. The graft mucosa showed signs of a positive adaptation. The best functional results were achieved by isoperistaltically interposed left colic transplants, which may be considered as an ideal graft (both technically and functionally) in extensive caustic strictures.

An analysis is presented of late results in 144 reconstructions of oesophagus with transplants (137 isoperistaltic, 7 anisoperistaltic) from transverse colon for correction of stricture, mainly after corrosive trauma. The grafts were interposed retrosternally in 126 cases and intrathoracically in 18. Delayed passage due to excessive size of the colon segment was managed in four cases by plication of the intra-abdominal part of the graft or by jejunal by-pass. 'Pseudo-diverticulum' at the proximal anastomosis occurred in five cases as a complication of the standard by-pass procedure. Correction was made by closure of the pouching oesophagus below the cervical anastomosis. Transformation to end-to-end anastomosis is also recommended. The incidence of gastrocolic reflux was low. In two of the four observed cases the cause was late pyloric stenosis. There was no case of peptic ulceration. For good late results of colo-oesophageal reconstruction, appropriate length and type of colon segment, suitable site of gastric implantation and isoperistalsis are of primary importance.

Bypass with a Roux-en-Y loop is proposed for palliation of nonresectable malignant obstruction in the distal oesophagus and cardia without peritoneal dissemination. Over a 15-year period, 51 transdiaphragmatic Roux-en-Y procedures with side-to-end oesophagojejunal anastomosis were performed. The 11.8% mortality was unrelated to anastomotic leakage. Gastrostomy should be avoided because of its nutritional and psychologic disadvantages. Other methods for surgical bypass are discussed and comparison is made with intubation. Wider indications for the Roux loop bypass are mentioned.

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Objectives: The main steps for physiologic type reconstruction in 50 complicated corrosive strictures of upper alimentary tract are presented. Methods: In successive developed gastric outlet and esophageal strictures a limited Billroth I resection (in 9) or conversion a prior precolic GEA in such anastomosis (in 5) and middle or total gastrectomies (in 3) were performed. A second stage substernal bypass with isoperistaltic transverse colon segment was done 6-12 weeks later. In all but one instances the graft was implanted high in the gastric stump. In extensive burned and retracted such lesion (in 3) a similar bypass was carried out but the lower anastomosis was done with the not involved prepyloric segement. In concomittant antropyloric and esophageal strictures in 11 young, good risk patients, a limited Billroth I resction and simultaneous colonic bypass was used. In case of accompanied respiratory fistula (in 4) exclusion bypass was useful for both lesions. The associated pyloric stricture (in 3) was solved at the same time. Side-to-end pharyngocolostomy was used in 4 high thoracocervical strictures. In 8 previously perforated strictures the by-ass was performed 2 months later. Reults: The overall mortality was 4%. The postoperative morbidity was low (8%). All cervical leaks closed spontaneously. Particular late complications required revisional surgery in 12, 5% of cases. Conclusion: In complicated corrosive strictures (esophageal, gastric, fistulas) limited Billoth I resection, isoperistaltic colon bypass with high gastrocolic anastomosis, good gastric drainage and maintenance of the duodenum in gastrointestinal continuity are the main factors to achieve the best functional results.