Eight years' experience with an artificial extra-thoracic esophagus.

A new type of extra-thoracic esophageal prosthesis or external esophagus is described. The upper end is attached over the esophageal stoma and the lower end is inserted into the gastrostomy opening. The upper portion can be detached and exchanged for an insertion type attachment. With the use of this so called "telescope type" of prosthesis, dilatation of the esophageal stoma due to softening of the tissues with leakage of food or dislodgement of the prosthesis or mechanical injury to the esophageal mucosa when the prosthesis is inserted into the esophageal lumen, is avoided. Our experience with its use for considerable period of time up to 8 years and 2 months has been satisfactory in 25 patients enabling the patients to eat normally. No serious complication arising from its use was observed.