Segmental Colonic Interposition for Esophageal Atresia

Normally, the esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach allowing food and saliva to pass into the gastrointestinal tract.

However, in some infants the esophagus fails to develop properly, leaving a gap between the top near the mouth and the bottom near the stomach. This is referred to as esophageal atresia. In other cases the esophagus can be damaged by swallowing chemicals.

In both instances it is necessary to use a piece of intestine to bridge the gap between the ends.