Experimental Studies On An Artificial Esophagus

Since surgeons started resecting esophagus, they have been facing the problem of digestive tract reconstruction. Quite satisfactory results have been obtained by means of replacement of the esophagus with an autologous stomach, small intestineand colon. There are serious drawbacks original for such kind of operation, such as severe trauma, extended operative time and grand post-operative complications. Meanwhile, many patients can't bear the operation because of emaciation, older age or/and co-existence of illness in vital organs. On the contrary, using artificial esophagus as an substitute can simplify operative procedure, reduce traumati zation, shorten operative time and maintain the anatomo-physiological status of gastro-intestinal tract. The research in this field has been carring on for 30 years, but no break-through has yet been achieved.We have done tentative experiment on the feasibility ofreplacing esophagus with Bacron-copolymer artificial esophagus in 25 dogs during 1986 to 1989. The experiment divided into two groups.in early stage, the artificial esophagus were made of Dacron and lined by patch of cattle pericardium on the inner wall. This group included 5 dogs. Cervical esophagus was replaced in 3 dogs and chest in 2. The length of the esophageal defect is 5 cm. Two dogs died of fistula and 3 dogs lived more than...