EEA stapler in oesophagogastrectomies

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the use of the EEA circular stapler in the construction of oesophagogastric anastomoses. Eighty five consecutive patients were subjected to oesophageal resections. There were 58 males and 27 females. The age ranged between 38 and 77 (mean 62) years and between 49 and 84 (mean 69) years respectively. In the first 19 patients the surgical approach was carried out via a Lewis' procedure and in the remaining 66 via a low left thoracotomy. The overall hospital mortality was 20%. Leakage related to mortality was found to be 4.7%. Mean operative time was estimated at a rate of 168 min (range: 120-360) and mean blood loss 434 ml (range: 250-1200). The mean postoperative stay was 15.3 days (range: 9-41). Benign anastomotic strictures occurred in 22% of the operated patients, all of whom responded well to dilation. By the aid of the EEA stapler, high and safe anastomoses can be carried out via a low left thoracotomy with acceptable morbidity and mortality.