Operative Outcome of Colon Interposition in the Treatment of Esophageal Cancer: a 20-year Experience

Background: In patients with esophageal cancer and a history of gastric surgery, colonic interposition is the treatment of choice. Our aim was to review our experience with this technique and to identify possible predictors of the clinical outcome.

Methods: Between 1986 and 2006, 43 patients underwent esophageal reconstruction accomplished by colon interposition in our surgical department. Data from these patients were collected consecutively and reviewed retrospectively.

Results: Colon interposition was performed isoperistaltically in 15 patients and was performed in 28 patients anisoperistaltically. In 18 patients, the right colon was used for interposition, whereas in 25 patients, the left colon was used. The mean survival time was 23+/-29 months. Artificial ventilation more than 24h, tumor differentiation grade III, the presence of major complications, and the presence of multivisceral resection had a significant negative influence on the operative outcome of colon interposition for esophageal replacement.

Conclusion: Colon interposition for esophageal replacement provides a satisfactory operative outcome with high complication rates. Therefore, it should be reserved as a treatment of second choice for cases in which the stomach is not available.