Reservoir and globe-type antireflux surgical techniques in intrathoracic esophagogastrostomies

Gastroesophageal reflux is a major postoperative problem in esophageal patients with cancer, and the principal cause is resection of the lower esophageal sphincter. Two new antireflux operations to solve this problem were investigated. The number of patients studied was 139, with a male to female ratio of 5. The reservoir technique was applied to the first 50 patients and the globe technique was used in the remaining 89. Hospital mortality was 9.35%. Patient satisfaction from a reflux standpoint was excellent in 91.4%, good to fair in 6.5%, and poor in 2.1%. Postoperative barium swallow at the first, third, and sixth months showed no reflux in 93% of cases. Postoperative preanastomotic mean pressure was 14.2 mmHg. Postoperative mucosal biopsies revealed a remarkable reduction in esophagitis. The radiologic, manometric, and histologic findings as well as the patient satisfaction rate suggest that these antireflux operations are suitable and effective for patients undergoing esophageal resection and intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis.