Makuuchi Hiroyasu
Department of Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.
Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi. 2008 Sep;109(5):256-60.
Reconstruction after thoracic esophagectomy is difficult and various problems may be encountered. The organ of first choice for use in esophageal reconstruction is the stomach, followed by the colon. The main problems in esophageal reconstruction are: (1) the degree of elevation of the reconstruction to the cervical area; (2) maintaining visceral blood circulation in the reconstructed organ; and (3) avoiding insufficient suturing. Other problems include prevention of anastomotic stricture and maintenance of postoperative nutrition. This paper describes the art of preserving the reconstruction using the gastric tube and colon with good blood circulation, measures to prevent the occurrence of hematogenous disorders, choice of reconstructive root and anastomotic method, and likely future developments in this type of reconstructive surgery.