Complications in esophagojejunal anastomosis

: In the period between January 1, 1982 until December 31 1993, in the Center for Esophageal Surgery, Institute for Digestive Disease - 1 st Surgical clinic in Belgrade, 345 esophago-jejuno anastomosis (EJA) were performed. In 326 pt's EJA, with the Roux-en-Y reconstruction with the segment of the small intestine, was performed after a total gastrectomy due to a malignant disease of stomach or cardia and in 7 due to an extensive corrosive changes of the stomach. In 12 pt's a resection of the distal esophagus due to an undilatable stricture and the reconstruction with the short segment of the small intestine (Merendino) was performed. In all 345 pt's a terminolaternal EJA was performed. In 149 pt's EJA was done mechanically by staplers (e.g., the EEA instrument) and in 196 an interrupted two layer suture was performed. In 326 pt's (operated due to a malignant disease) complications occurred in 29 of them (8.89%) while in the group of patients with benignant disease only in 2 pt's or 10.52%. A dehiscention of EJA occurred only in the group of pt's with malignant disease. Comparing the way of performing EJA a higher percentage of anastomotic leaks was found in the group of hand sewn anastomosis (18/8.16%) while in the group with a stapler performed anastomosis anastomotic leak was found only in 7 pt's (4.69%). In two pt's where a stapler anastomosis was performed there was a hemorrhage from the anastomosis during the operation, and in 8 pt's or 5.36% an unsuccessful anastomosis using a stapler was performed. Overall mortality was 6.66% or 23 pt's. Due to anastomotic leak 13 pt's died (3.76%). In 5 pt's 4 to 14 months after the operation a stenosis of anastomosis developed on EJA that severely compromised EJA and needed further medical treatment. None of the pt's was reoperated.