文摘
Objective: A new reusable circular stapler for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (CEGA) has been used to substitute the traditional method of hand-sewn cervical anastomosis. Methods: Over a 2-year period (09/1998–11/2000), the stapler was engaged on operations of 112 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma, and the anastomosis was performed through both cervical and thoracic incision. The operative approaches were through left thoracotomy in 85 cases, and through right thoracotomy in 27 cases. The results were analyzed retrospectively. Results: All of the 112 CEGA operations were successfully performed on the patients who underwent esophageal resections, and no operative mortality and anastomotic leakage occurred. Excluding the two patients with the anastomotic recurrent carcinoma, anastomotic stricture occurred in 12 cases (10.9 % , n