Colon interposition: a modification of the Waterston technique using the normal esophageal route.

Intrathoracic colon interposition in children with esophageal atresia has been available for 30 yr. The retrosternal and left pleural cavity have been the preferred routes. The posterior mediastinal route does not appear to have been tried in children. Sixteen cases treated by the principle author (N.V.F.) using this route are presented. The mortality, anastomotic leakage and stricture rate (at each anastomosis) were 12.5%, respectively. The posterior mediastinal route is suggested as an alternative route for interposition of the colon or any other conduit.