TRANSHIATAL STAPLED ESOPHAGOJEJUNOSTOMY WITHOUT A PURSESTRING SUTURE IN PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS GASTRIC RESECTION

Previous gastric resection complicates alimentary tract reconstruction after esophagectomy. Colonic interposition is the standard conduit in this circumstance, but has substantial mortality and morbidity, espec ially important when treatment goals are to provide effective alimenta tion and minimize hospital stay. This report details the technique of a transabdominal, intrathoracic, stapled esophagojejunostomy created w ithout a purse-string suture, which was used to reconstruct the esopha gus in 3 patients who had previously undergone partial gastrectomy. Th is technique avoids both colon interposition and thoracotomy, thereby minimizing the associated complications.