Surgical treatment of severe cicatricial anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy for esophageal and cardiac cancer / 中华外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To review the experience of the surgical procedure in the treatment of postoperative severe cicatricial anastomotic stricture for esophageal cancer and cardiac cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four cases with severe anastomotic strictures and dysphagia after esophagectomy underwent second operation. The anastomosis was opened by two small transverse incisions about 1-2 mm above and below the anastomotic line. The esophageal and gastric walls were half opened. Then the circular cicatricial tissue was partially removed. The re-anastomosis was performed with a one layer, intermittent technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The second operations were successfully completed in 24 cases, cervical anastomotic leakage happened in 1 case and no operative mortality. All cases were followed up for 2-3 years. All patients can eat soft and common diet smoothly. No anastomotic strictures were found and the quality of life was significantly improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The second surgery with partial removal of the narrow cicatricial ring and reanastomosis for postoperative severe anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy is feasible, and the result is satisfactory.</p>