Ileocolic esophageal replacement in children with benign stricture ofesophagus

AIM To treat esophageal stricture secondary to the ingestion of corrosive materials in children using theileocolon with ileocecal valve as a substitute for esophagus.METHODS Between 1992 and 1999, isoperistaltic retrosternal ileocolic esophageal replacements wereperformed in 12 patients; 50 cadavers were studied to observe the vascularity in the ileocolic region andmetabolic indexes were measured before and after surgery or between the operative group and the normalcontrols in 20 piglet models.RESULTS A follow-up of 3 years in the 12 cases found no death in intra- and post- operative periodclinically. Cervical ileoesophageal anastomotic leaks occurred in 2 cases. The distribution pattern of venousvessel in the ileocolic region was far more constant than that of the artery. The arrangements of artery in theileocolic segment were classified into 7 types, and there was no interruption of paracolic anastomosis betweenarteries. The resections of 50 cm terminal ileum, cecum and 50 cm ascending colon affected enterohepaticcirculation of bile acid (bile salt) and the fatty metabolism in early period after surgery in piglet models.Shortening of the time and reducing of the area for water absorption after ileocolic resection resulted indiarrhea in piglet models. The loss of “bacterial barrier” role of ileocecal valve led to bacteria immigrationfrom colon to ileum and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.CONCLUSION The ileocolic esophageal replacement taking advantage of antireflux role of the ileocecalvalve has obtained satisfactory effect. To understand the characteristics of the patterns of arteries and veinsdistribution and physiological functions of the ileocolic segment is useful in guiding clinical practice andpostoperative management and preventing postoperative complications as well.