O’Coloplasty (Colon Pull-Up): Restoring Swallowing with Precision Surgery at Jivraj Mehta Hospital
Listening Article
When the natural food pipe (esophagus) fails, restoring the ability to eat and swallow isn’t just about nutrition – it’s about dignity and independence. At Jivraj Mehta Hospital, our surgical team recently performed a complex colon interposition surgery, also known as O’Coloplasty or colon pull-up, to reconstruct a patient’s esophagus – offering them a new chance at a normal life.
This delicate and technically challenging operation was led by Dr. Vikas Maheshwari, our experienced Surgical Oncologist with over 7 years of specialized operative experience in gastrointestinal and reconstructive surgery.
The Case: Life After Caustic Injury
The patient, a young adult, had suffered from a long-segment corrosive stricture of the esophagus, following accidental acid ingestion several years ago. Repeated dilatations had failed. The native esophagus was non-functional. Eating even semi-solid food had become nearly impossible.
Rather than depend on lifelong tube feeding or partial measures, Dr. Vikas Maheshwari planned a definitive solution: esophageal bypass using colon interposition, or O’Coloplasty.
What is Colon Interposition / O’Coloplasty?
This surgery involves replacing the diseased or absent esophagus with a segment of the colon, which is mobilized, preserved on its vascular pedicle, and pulled up into the chest and neck to bridge the gap between the pharynx and stomach.
The colon is chosen for its:
- Adequate length
- Good blood supply
- Resistance to acid reflux
- Durability over time
In expert hands, this procedure can restore near-normal swallowing and eliminate the need for feeding tubes or repeated interventions.
Surgical Highlights
Lead Surgeon: Dr. Vikas Maheshwari (Surgical Oncologist, GI Reconstruction Specialist)
Procedure: Retro-sternal colon pull-up (O’Coloplasty) with cervical esophagocolic anastomosis
Intraoperative time: ~6 hours
Complexity: Vascular preservation, tension-free anastomosis, multi-quadrant access (abdomen, chest, neck)
Outcome: Uneventful recovery; patient started on liquids by Day 7, solids soon after
Why This Surgery Stands Out
This is not a common surgery – colon interposition is often considered only in centers with high surgical expertise, as it demands:
- Precise vascular handling
- Knowledge of colonic anatomy
- Ability to work simultaneously in neck, thorax, and abdomen
- Avoidance of major complications like anastomotic leaks, necrosis, or graft redundancy
Thanks to Dr. Vikas Maheshwari’s expertise, and the support of the anesthesia and ICU teams, the procedure was a success, and the patient was discharged on oral diet, without need for feeding tubes or stoma.
Expertise that Delivers Results
With over 7 years of focused surgical oncology and GI reconstruction experience, Dr. Vikas Maheshwari applies cutting-edge techniques tailored to each case. From organ-preserving cancer surgeries to complex reconstructions like this, his approach blends modern science with compassionate care.
Colon interposition is an example of functional reconstruction, where the goal is not just survival – but recovery of dignity, function, and quality of life.
A Message from Dr. Vikas Maheshwari
“These are not just operations – these are lifelines. Every swallow this patient takes now is a reminder of why we push boundaries in surgery. I’m grateful to the patient for trusting us, and to the entire Jivraj Mehta Hospital team for making this possible.”
