Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis: results following esophagectomy for carcinoma

We reviewed our experience with 262 consecutive two-layer, hand-sewn cervic al esophageal anastomoses in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal car cinoma. Anastomotic leak rates were determined for the entire group and the frequency of post-operative esophageal dilatations was obtained for the fi rst 101 patients. It was assumed that the frequency of dilatations would re flect the frequency of anastomotic strictures. The overall leak rate was 0. 8% (two patients). Overall hospital mortality was 2.7%,. No patient died as a result of anastomotic leakage. In our series, 26% of patients required a t least one dilatation. If a dilatation nas needed, the majority occurred w ithin the first 6 months. We conclude that using a standardized, two-layer hand-seen anastomotic technique cervical esophageal anastomoses may be perf ormed safely with results similar to those reported using intrathoracic tec hniques.