Stapling in esophageal surgery.

Indications for esophageal surgery include the closure of tears from foreign bodies and incisions for their removal, esophageal anastomosis after removal of diseased or nonfunctional segments, esophagogastric anastomosis after major gastric resection, removal of esophageal diverticula, resection of fistulas, and esophageal reconstructive surgical techniques. The potential use and application of surgical stapling instruments for these esophageal disorders in the veterinary patient are discussed.