Ileocecal interpositional graft as gastric replacement after total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy

M. von Flue, J. Metzger and F. Harder
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. vonfluee@ubaclu.unibas.ch

The ileocecal interpositional graft is an alternative method for replacing the distal esophagus and the stomach. A pedunculated ileocecal interpositional graft rotated 180 degrees clock-wise and placed across the hiatus between the proximal esophagus and the duodenum could act as a reservoir and protect against reflux (ileocecal valve) while preserving the duodenal passage. Two patients underwent this operation (the first patient has been observed for 12 postoperative months). We also used this technique to replace the stomach alone below the diaphragm, a technique that had been abandoned in the surgical literature since 1952, although the concept and initial experiences were already promising at that time. In favor of these attractive features of the ileocecal interpositional graft as gastric replacement, we have begun a controlled examination of this method.