Experience with a Safe Anastomotic Method for Ivor Lewis Operation / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: When it comes to esophageal cancer operations, the prevalence of anastomotic complications that adversely affect quality of life is related to the type of anastomotic procedure and the operative site. We studied outcomes related to a safe anastomotic method used in Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy for preventing anastomotic leakage and stricture formation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between May 2003 and April 2007, 18 patients with esophageal cancer underwent this type of esophagogastrectomy. Four people were lost to follow-up. There were 17 men (94.4%) and 1 woman. The mean patient age was 61 years (range, 46~73 years). RESULT: The mean follow-up period was 17.2 months (range, 1~45 months). There was no anastomotic leakage. There was one benign anastomotic stricture (5.6%) requiring esophageal balloon dilatation, which was accomplished with a 25 mm circular stapler. CONCLUSION: We experienced relatively good postoperative results using a safe anastomotic method in the Ivor Lewis operation for preventing anastomotic complications. These results suggest that this anastomotic method is effective in reducing the incidence of benign anastomotic complications.