Gastrojejunal interposition for esophageal replacement.

The main considerations in replacing the esophagus are to avoid postoperative necrosis of all or part of the graft, leakage or stenosis of the anastomoses, and complications related to acid-peptic or alkaline reflux. A 5-year-old boy, after two unsuccessful thoracic operations for atresia and then stenosis of the esophagus, underwent resection of the esophagus because of duodeno-gastroesophageal reflux. The continuity of the alimentary tract was restored by gastrojejunal interposition. We recommend this method of reconstruction when the esophago-gastrostoma is created in the chest, and the possibility of alkaline reflux must be considered.