RESUMO
Objective To contrast the efficacy of mechanical stapler and hand suture for cervical esophagogastrostomy in the treatment of esophayeal cancer.Methods From January 2001 to August 2007,217 cases of cervical esophagogastrostomy were done in esophageal carcinoma.Among them.136 cases were treated by mechanical stapler and 81 cases by hand.Results The incidence of anastomotic fistula was 2.2%(3/136)in mechanical stapler group and 11.1%(9/81)in the group by hand.There was significant difference between the two groups(P＜0.95).The incidence of cervical incision infection was 2.9%(4/136)in mechanical stapler group and 14.8%(12/81)in the group by hand.There was significant difference between these two groups(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between these two groups about pulmonary infection,arrhythmia,chylothorax and laryngeal nerve injury.Conclusion The incidence of anastomotic fistula and cervical incision infection was reduced by mechanical stapler which was displayed to advantage in esophagogastrostomy.