William J. Grove

Experience with the use of the right colon to replace the esophagus

Abstract 1. 1. Improvement of the nutritional state of all patients prior to any resection is the single most important preoperative step. 2. 2. The operation should be divided into two stages, i.e., the resective and the reconstructive stages. 3. 3. The right colon provides a very satisfactory substitute for the thoracic esophagus. 4. 4. Gangrene of the colonic segment is the most feared and serious complication. Steps to be taken in minimizing this danger are discussed. 5. 4. The late results of treatment of benign conditions has been very satisfactory, while the appearance of recurrent and metastatic tumors in the patients with carcinoma has been discouraging.