Small-axillary-incision Esophagectomy Combined with Mechanical Esophagogastric Anastomosis for Esophageal Carcinoma / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the efficacy of small-axillary-incision esophagectomy combined with mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis for esophageal carcinoma.Methods From April 2005 to April 2007,56 patients with esophageal cancer underwent small-axillary-incision esophagectomy combined with mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis in our hospital.After thoracotomy was performed via a small axillary incision,the stomach and esophagus were separated.Circular stapler was used for esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy.The anastomotic segment was then enveloped and placed at the esophageal bed.Results The average length of the axillary incision was(13.2?1.6)cm(10-15 cm).No anastomotic leak and hemorrhage,injury to the laryngeal nerve,or chylothorax occurred in this series.53 of the patients were followed up for 4-16 months(mean,7.8 months),during which 1(1.9%)patient developed slight anastomotic stenosis,and 4(7.5%)had gastroesophageal reflux.Conclusions Small axillary incision causes less trauma to the patients leading to a quick recovery.By using mechanical cervical anastomosis,man-mad injuries to the anastomotic segment are avoided,resulting in a low rate of postoperative complications.