New trends in esophageal replacement for benign disease.

In the past three years 21 patients have required esophageal replacement for benign disease: 6 patients with caustic stricture, 5 with reflux esophagitis, 5 with neuromotor abnormalities, 2 with strictures following radiation therapy, 1 with iatrogenic perforation, 1 with monilial esophagitis, and 1 with esophageal atresia. Esophageal substitution was achieved using isoperistaltic left colon 17 patients and stomach in 4. The preoperative evaluation, postoperative complications, and results of esophageal replacement in these patients are discussed. Changing trends in the benign conditions requiring esophageal substitution are reviewed.