Replacement of the esophagus can be necessary in case of malformations, injuries or acquired conditions. The neo-oesophagus should allow normal oral feeding, not have gastro-oesophageal reflux, and be able to function well for the life-time of the patient. Many substitutes have been used since a century such as segments of colon, the entire stomach, gastric tubes or parts of the small bowel, but no one is perfect and operates as a normal esophagus.
Esophageal replacements are demanding challenges for the surgeons. We shall review the different techniques and the pitfall related to these procedures