[The results of coloesophagoplasty in childhood].

Over a six-year period (1988 through 1993), a total of 380 children with congenital and acquired esophageal diseases undergo treatment in the Second Pediatric Surgery Clinic. Plastic replacement of esophagus using a graft from the colon is performed in 31 children. The indications and procedures for colo-esophagoplasty in children are discussed. Two basic operative methods are employed--retrosternal transposition of the colon transplant (with preservation of the esophagus or in children with previous extirpation, as well as in children with esophageal atresia), or transhiatal (transabdominal) esophagectomy with simultaneous placement of the transplant into the esophageal bed. The underlying cases of early and late postoperative complications are analyzed. Emphasis is laid on the good results of the method described (operative lethality amounting to 9.7 per cent) accordingly considered as the most appropriate for children.