Minimum leakage rate (0.5%) of stapled esophagojejunostomy with sacrifice of a small part of the jejunum after total gastrectomy in 390 consecutive patients

Background: The development of new surgical instruments and devices has facilitated the performance of esophagojej-unostomy after total gastrectomy. However, total prevention of dehiscence of anastomoses remains difficult. We introduced a new procedure for esophagojejunostomy using a circular stapler, requiring sacrifice of only a small part of the jejunum. Methods: The study group comprised 390 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction by Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy, performed with a circular stapler, sacrificing a small part of the jejunum after total gastrectomy. We assessed anastomotic leakage and anastomotic stenosis after surgery. Results: Only 2 patients (0.5%) had leakage and 4 (1.0%) had anastomotic stenosis after reconstruction. All the patients were cured by conservative therapy. Conclusions: Esophagojejunostomy performed with a circular stapler after total gastrectomy, with sacrifice of only a small part of the jejunum, is a useful and easy procedure, with a leakage rate of 0.5%. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel