Dilation of the stump of the esophagus and intestine with Doyen's intestinal clamp followed by application of lidocaine facilitates the stapling anastomoses.

To avoid bowel tears on the esophagojejunal or colorectal mechanical anastomoses during insertion of the EEA stapler, we applied a local anesthetic to the stump of the bowel, then gently dilated the bowel with Doyen's intestinal clamp. This approach makes way for use of a larger cartridge and a more satisfactory anastomoses.