title: [Oesophagogastric anastomosis complications in the Ivor Lewis operation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oesophagectomy is the principal treatment for cancer of the oesophagus. The oesophagogastric anastomotic leak is a serious complication of the Ivor Lewis operation, and is associated with increased mortality. The objective of this study is to analyse its incidence, its diagnosis and treatment results.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive analysis of a consecutive series of oesophagectomies, carried out during a 5 year period, using the Ivor Lewis technique. All patients had hand sewn anastomosis. Data were collected on general morbidity, anastomosis leak, hospital mortality, survival, and stenosis of the anastomosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 41 intrathoracic anastomoses were performed. Complications, of any type, were observed in 49% of cases, of which 3 (7.3%) were anastomotic leaks, one of them asymptomatic. One patient was urgently reoperated, and two others were treated with drains and conservative treatment. The mortality of the series was 7.3%, none associated with the anastomotic leak. The survival at 5 years was 27%, and 34% of the patients developed stenosis of the anastomosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intrathoracic anastomosis after oesophagectomy, in our experience, can be performed with a low incidence of anastomotic leaks and without mortality due to this cause. Their treatment must be individualised and a considerable proportion do not require surgical intervention.
authors.affiliation: Unidad Esófago-gástrica, Área de Cirugía, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain. adiazdea@cfnavarra.es
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Díaz de Liaño Argüelles
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sánchez García
authors.forename: Concepción
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yárnoz Irazábal
authors.forename: Alicia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Artajona Rosino
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery*; D015996:Survival Rate