Choice and efficacy evaluation of esophagogastric anastomosis in esophagectomy of esophageal cancer

Esophageal reconstruction is of great importance in the practice of esophagectomy, and esophago-gastric anastomosis represents the most essential and key technical aspect of the operation, which largely determined patients′ short-term outcomes. A successful esophageal anastomosis should be no occurrences of postoperative early-stage anastomotic bleeding and leakage and later-stage anastomotic stenosis. The circular stapler, linear cut stapler and hand-sewn anastomosis are the most common anastomotic methods. Hand-sewn anastomosis is the most traditional and classical. Circular stapler has gained significant popularity for its simplicity and convenience. Linear cut stapler used for side-to-side anastomosis has the potential to reduce the risk of postoperative anastomotic stenosis via expanding inner diameter of anastomosis. Every anastomotic method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it cannot completely avoid occurrence of postoperative anastomotic complications. To have a better outcome, both surgeon′s experiences and patient′s individual conditions should be taken into consideration for the choice of anastomotic technique. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Esophagectomy; Digestive tract reconstruction; Anastomosis