Reconstruction of the Thoracic Oesophagus Using Autotransplanted Small Intestine: An Experimental Study in the Piglet

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Abstract
A technique for overbridging thoracic oesophageal defects with revascularized intestinal auto-transplants was evaluated in 32 piglets. A microvascular end-to-side anastomosis was performed between the 1.5 mm transplant artery and the aorta. Specially constructed vascular scissors were used to cut a suitable opening in the aorta. The venous anastomosis was performed between the transplant vein and the hemiazygous vein. After partial oesophageal resection, the revascularized auto-transplant was interposed between the oesophageal ends and anastomosed. The series carried a high rate of complications, but the study showed, however, that the technical prerequisites exist to perform this kind of operation.