The reconstructed esophagus.

Reconstruction of the esophagus has been used for more than half a century. Benign as well as malignant diseases are treated in this manner. Viscera used for reconstruction are: colon, jejunum, and stomach. The different modalities of surgical intervention have been briefly summarized. Complications have been enumerated with the major ones stressed in more detail. The exact nature of surgical procedure should be known before attempting to evaluate roentgenologically a reconstructed esophagus. Preoperative roentgen evaluations, including barium study and angiography, are indicated for better postoperative results. Postoperative roentgen studies are needed to detect most of the postoperative complications.