Using the supercharge technique to additionally revascularize the gastric tube after a subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Maintaining sufficient blood flow to the gastric tube after a subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is crucial for decreasing esophagogastric anastomotic leakage.


METHODS
After subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, the supercharge technique was performed in 21 esophageal reconstruction patients to additionally revascularize the gastric tube using the splenic artery and vein, external carotid artery, and internal jugular vein. Operative results of the supercharge group were retrospectively compared with those of the control group (patients not receiving the technique).


RESULTS
Both operation time and operative blood loss in the supercharge group were significantly longer and larger than those of the control group. However, the incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly lower in the supercharge group than in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
This practical supercharge technique reduces leakage during esophageal anastomosis.
Yoshimi
Fuyo
F
Department of Surgery, Ibaraki Prefectural Central Hospital and Cancer Center, 6528 Koibuchi, Tomobe-machi, Ibaraki 309-1793, Japan. f-yoshimi@chubyoin.pref.ibaraki.jp
Asato
Yuji
Y
Ikeda
Shigeo
S
Okamoto
Kojun
K
Komuro
Yasuhiro
Y
Imura
Johji
J
Itabashi
Masayuki
M
D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy; D004944:Esophagoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies