Autotransplantation of small intestine to replace the thoracic esophagus in puppies: an experimental study with a one year follow-up.
In 11 puppies, 8-12 wk old, with an average weight of 9.3 kg, a short segment of the thoracic esophagus was replaced by a revascularized autologous ileum segment. Four dogs died: 1 as a result of an untreated hemorrhagic shock, 3 due to thrombonecrosis of the transplant. Seven dogs were subjected to a follow-up program consisting of weekly weighing, swallow cinematography and angiography, endoscopic tests, and taking biopsies of the mucous membrane for histologic examination. The management of these puppies over a period of 1 yr is described. It proved possible in rapidly growing puppies to replace a segment of the thoracic esophagus with an autologous revascularized ileum segment, without this being a detterent for these puppies to grow into normal well-nourished adults.
D000792:Angiography; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D004285:Dogs; D004944:Esophagoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000637:transplantation*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous