Colonic esophageal interposition

Last revised by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad on 5 Jan 2024

Colonic esophageal interposition is a rarely performed upper gastrointestinal tract surgical procedure, in which colon is used to replace the distal esophagus. The transverse colon with all or part of the ascending colon is the substitute of choice. 

This has been performed for long esophageal strictures or in some cases malignancy, but it's no longer a first line procedure for these indications. It still has value as a salvage procedure if the initial procedure (such as a gastric pull through) develops an uncorrectable problem (e.g. malignancy or fistula in the pull through).

The haustra of the colon are illustrated on plain radiograph, CT and barium swallow when imaged. They are often located in the anterior mediastinum.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.