“Layer-to-Layer” Esophagogastric Anastomosis Combined with Intrathoracic Esophageal Mucosal Extention in Patients with Esophageal and Cardia Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of intrathoracic esophagogastric “layer-to-layer” anastomosis with esophageal mucosa extended varied in plane and to study the effective methods to prevent anastomotic leaking or stricture postoperatively. Methods: From May 1985 to December 2002, 2 240 esophageal and stomach cardia cancer patients treated by intrathoracic esophagogastric “layer-to-layer”anastomosis with esophageal mucosa extended varied in plane were retrospectively analyzed. Results:There was no anastomotic leaking and severe stricture in all above cases. Conclusion: Intrathoracic esophagogastric “layer-to-layer” anastomosis with esophageal mucosal extended varied in plane is an effective method to prevent anastomotic leaking and stricture postoperatively.