[Experiences with 216 manual esophageal anastomoses and with mechanical single and double row suture technique (SPTU, EEA, ILS) in stomach cancers].

From 1973 to 1990 we have performed 216 anastomoses of the oesophagus after resection of gastric malignancy. Both resection due to a carcinoma of the oesophagus and subtotal gastric resection due to distal carcinoma of the stomach have not been considered. In a retrospective study we present the results of our oesophageal anastomoses performed by hand-suture and stapling. The perioperative complications are shown with special regard to the insufficiency rate of the oesophageal anastomosis and the resulting mortality. In 70 by hand suturing performed anastomoses (1973-80) we have seen 3 (4.4%) leaks of the oesophagojejuno-/oesophagogastrostomy, in 146 stapled anastomoses (1980-90) 6 (4.2%) insufficiencies were seen. Two of 3 dehiscences in the hand-sewn group and one of the 6 leaks in the stapler group had a lethal outcome. The overall hospital mortality could be reduced from 18.5% to 6.9%.