Isolated Jejunal Segment Interposition for Esophageal Replacement in Mongrel Dogs

Abstract

To test the feasibility of replacing the esophagus with an isolated jejunal segment (IJS) which is devoid of its anatomical blood supply and which is nourished by the omentum, an IJS was created and transplanted to the proximal jejunum in one dog and to the esophagus in other dogs. The dogs were observed for 2 months; then, esophagographies were performed. Also microangiograms were taken, and the IJSs were examined by microscopy. The dogs were doing well until being sacrificed, the esophagograms showed stenosis of the IJS. The microangiograms showed that an adequate blood supply from the surrounding omentum to the IJS, and microscopic examination revealed intact architecture of the jejunum and microbarium in the submucosa. This study shows that an IJS can be transplanted to a distant location and that it offers an alternative for esophageal replacement.