Long-term form and function of neoesophagus after experimental replacement of thoracic esophagus with nitinol composite artificial esophagus.

Attempts were made to observe long-term form and function of neoesophagus with three pigs that survived for more than 42 months after Nitinol composite artificial esophagus replacement. The neoesophagus was shorter in length than resected esophagus (shorten rate 13.9 +/- 3.1) and thinner than normal esophagus (thickness rate 53.8 +/- 5.5). Esophagography and endoscopic findings indicated that the neoesophagus was dilatation of cystic form, and there was not autonomic peristalsis or constrictive motion. Microscopical findings showed that the wall of the neoesophagus consisted of fibrous connective tissue and esophageal mucosa.These results suggest that the long-term neoesophagus is a stratified squamous epithelium cover scar tissue tube. Although it does not have peristaltic function, experimental pigs can survive long-term with the neoesophagus.