[Modified application of circular stapler to cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer].
OBJECTIVE
Anastomotic leakage and fibrous stenosis are significant complications of the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis although cervical esophagogastric anastomosis appears to decrease morbidity as compared with intrathoracic anastomosis. We modified the techniques of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using circular stapler after resection of esophageal carcinoma, and evaluated its efficacy.


METHODS
Between October 2006 and April 2008, 127 patients underwent esophagectomy using gastric tissues positioned in the original esophageal bed as esophageal substitute for reconstruction. Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using circular stapler was performed in all patients. The occurrence of postoperative complications was recorded and analyzed.


RESULTS
No operation-related death and no anastomotic hemorrhage occurred. Anastomotic leakage developed in one patient (0.8%) because of instrumental failure; five patients (3.9%) developed fibrous stenosis that required stricture dilation.


CONCLUSIONS
Modified mechanical cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using circular stapler is effective and safe, and can reduce the occurrence of postoperative anastomotic complications.
Yan
Ming
M
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial Tumor Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
Chen
Yu-Hang
YH
Liu
Xian-Ben
XB
Shao
Ling-Fang
LF
Li
Yin
Y
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology; D016629:Esophagectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013528:Surgical Staplers