A technical aid in stapled esophagojejunal anastomosis

A technique that allows a safer use of the pursestring applicator in stapled esophagojejunostomy is described. By means of five stitches, all esophageal layers are incorporated in the stapled line. Thus, missing a segment of esophageal mucosal layer is avoided. No clinical or radiologic leak was observed in 48 patients who underwent total gastrectomy using this technique.