Redoing reconstruction of the esophagus using remnants of the ileo-left colon aided microvascular anastomosis

Theoretically, the jejunum, fasciocutaneous or myocutaneous flap is recomme nded as an esophageal substitute in redoing reconstruction of the esophagus after a second incidence of corrosive injury. However, other esophageal su bstitutes should also be considered. We present a case of a 42-year-old wom an who underwent esophageal reconstruction using an ileocolon graft for cor rosive esophageal stricture ten years before. The patient ingested caustic drain cleaner again and underwent resection of the ileocolon graft secondar y to corrosive necrosis. Two and a half months after the second incidence o f corrosive injury, reconstruction of the esophagus was again performed usi ng a graft of remnant ileo-left colon aided by microvascular anastomosis. T he patient was able to swallow a regular diet after the procedure. Remnant ileo-left colon is a good alternative esophageal substitute in cases of rep eated corrosive injury. (Ann Thorac Surg 2001;71:1695-7) (C) 2001 by The So ciety of Thoracic Surgeons.