Objective:To evaluate the role of colonic interposition for reconstruction of the esophagus. Methods: From April 1979 to October 1998, Thirty-one patients with benign esophageal stenosis and 15 patients graft from the esophageal bed after the esophagus was pulled out without thoracotomy. Results: There was no perioperative death. All 31 cases of the benign esophageal stenosis got long term survival and normal life.The 3- and 5-year survival rates of patients with the carcinoma of the esophagus were 63.6% and 40. 6% respectively. Conclusion: The colonic interposition graft is a choice for the patien ts with the cervical stenosis of the esophagus, especially for those already had subtotal gastrectomy. Using the left colonic artery as the supporting vessel and using the colon segment in an isoperistaltic position is the optimal choice. Improving the operative techniques and decreasing the complications are important for the extension use of this method.