European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: Anastomotic leak from cervical esophagogastric anastomoses is a serious problem after esophagectomy. Various modifications of anastomotic techniques have evolved to minimize anastomotic complications. This study presents the technique of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using linear cutting staplers and experience with the technique compared to the hand-sewn anastomosis. Materials and Methods: 200 patients with oesophagus or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma underwent curative-intent resection either via a right posterolateral thoracotomy (TTE) or transhiatal esophagectomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. 160 patients with treated with linear stapler technique (Group A) and 40 patients were treated with hand-sewn anastomosis. (Group B) The average follow-up was approximately 18 months. Results: Anastomotic leakage was observed in three patients (1.75%) in linear anastomosis technique and eleven patients (27.7%) in hand-sewn technique. There was no incidence of anastomotic site stricture in group A. In contrast, three patients (6.25%) had post anastomotic stricture in group B. Early postoperative morbidity in the form of respiratory infections was seen in 15 patients in linear stapler group as compared to 8 patients in the hand-sewn group.