A modified method of laparoscopic side-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis after laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a report of 12 cases

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the method of alimentary reconstruction after laparoscopic total gastrectomy. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 patients undergone laparoscopic total gastrectomy and side- to- side esophagojejunal anastomosis from Feb. 2006 to Oct. 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Laparoscopic side- to- side esophagojejunal anastomosis was successfully performed in 12 patients. The mean operation time was (247.0+/- 13.1) min and the anastomosis time was (43.5+/- 10.4) min. Bleeding volume during operation was (107.5+/- 44.9)ml. The distance between anastomosis and proximal margin of tumor was (3.4+/- 1.2)cm. There was no postoperative death, fistula or anastomotic stenosis occurred after short- term follow- up. CONCLUSION: The modified laparoscopic side- to- side esophagojejunal anastomosis is a safe, less challenging and more economic method of alimentary reconstruction after laparoscopic total gastrectomy.