Mechanical suture methods in esophago-gastrointestinal anastomosis.

Mechanical suturing procedures have been performed in 10 patients for total gastrectomy, 6 for proximal partial gastrectomy and 7 for esophageal transection. The instrument (SPTU all-round type made in Russia) proved simple to use and produced reliable good quality closures without any other inforcement. There was one minor suture leak in 10 patients with intramediastinal esophagojejunostomy and in 6 with proximal partial gastrectomy respectively, but neither leak nor other problem has been arisen in esophageal transection for varices. It is believed that this staple suturing methods used SPTU all-round type apparatus are safe from anastomotic failure and useful for secure intramediastinal anastomosis in high level, and they represent a significant advance in the technique of thoraco-abdominal surgery.