Three Yearsʼ Experience with Esophageal Stapling Device

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Abstract
The experience with 40 patients undergoing resection of middle and lower thirds carcinomas of the esophagus or proximal stomach, with esophagogastric or esophagojejunal anastomosis using an end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler. A fatal anastomotic leak occurred in the 1st 2 patients and 7 other patients died in the early postoperative period from respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Four other patients developed fibrotic strictures between 6 and 24 mo. after their operation. The strictures were easily dilated and did not recur. The use of an EEA stapler is recommended because it reduces the operating time, the incidence of anastomotic leaks and probably the blood loss. The majority of anastomoses can be accomplished exclusively through the left chest by using the stapler.