Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis for benign disease. Functional results

Ninety-one adult patients (average age 49 years) with various benign esophageal disorders treated by total thoracic esophagectomy and a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis have been followed up with personal interviews and examinations from 6 to 104 months (average 34 months). Outpatient esophageal dilation has been used liberally for any degree of postoperative cervical dysphagia. At their latest follow-up, 39 patients (43%) eat without dysphagia; four patients (4%) have mild dysphagia necessitating no treatment; 34 patients (37%) have undergone one to three dilations during the first 6 to 12 postoperative months for intermittent dysphagia; and 14 patients (16%) have more severe dysphagia necessitating regular anastomotic dilations (two thirds of these perform home self-dilations). Mild regurgitation of gastric contents has been experienced by 27 (30%), particularly when recumbent after eating, but only four patients sleep with the head of the bed elevated to prevent nocturnal regurgitation. No patient has had pulmonary complications resulting from aspiration. Twenty patients (22%) have had varying degrees of "dumping syndrome," generally transient and well controlled with medication. Two patients have required an additional gastric drainage operation 16 months and 82 months, respectively, after the esophagectomy. At their latest evaluation, 33% of the patients weigh 3 to 83 (average 19) pounds more than they weighed preoperatively, 38% weigh 5 to 40 (average 12) pounds less, and 29% have had no change in their weight. The stomach functions well as a visceral esophageal substitute and, like the esophagus, is more thick-walled and resilient than colon. Significant gastroesophageal reflux is uncommon after a properly performed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. Postoperative dysphagia can be minimized by attention to technique in constructing the anastomosis. These data support our belief that the stomach is the preferred organ for esophageal replacement, not only for carcinoma, but also for benign diseases as well.