LATE GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH COLONIC REPLACEMENT OF ESOPHAGUS

Follow-up study of six patients with esophageal atresia treated by colonic replacement revealed growth failure in five cases. This retardation of growth was not evident during the gastrostomy feeding period, but only after colonic transplantation. Absorption studies showed severe fat malabsorption in three patients. The patient with normal growth curve had another severe late gastrointestinal complication: complete gastric obstruction attributable to food retention. Gastric retention in lesser degree was found in three other patients. The significance of these findings is discussed and the importance of careful follow-up of patients with colonic replacement of esophagus is emphasized. © 1970.