Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  1999 Jun;32(6):573-578.

Esophagogastirc Anastomosis: Analysis of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality

• Shin HG
• Lee DY
• Kang JS
• Yoon YH
• Kim DH

Abstract

BACKGROUND: After an esophageal resection for an esophageal disease, the stomach becomes the most common organ for a substitute. The stomach has the advantages of being simple with fewer complications when used properly. The complications of an esophageal reconstruction using the stomach as the substitute are assessed and discussed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1990 and 1998, 44 patients who underwent esophagogastric anastomosis were treated in the department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery of Yongdong Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. RESULT: The rate of postoperative complications and mortality in these 44 patients were 70.5% and 13.6%, respectively. The major complications in our series involved the stricture of anastomosis(13.6%), pneumonia(11.4%), and wound infection(9.1%). The most frequent causes of postoperative deaths were pulmonary complications and sepsis(6.8%).
CONCLUSION
Anastomotic leakage is no longer a major complication of an esophagogastrostomy. Most postoperative stricture can be overcome with frequent esophageal dilations. Postoperative pulmonary infection, nutrition, and physiotherapy are very important in reducing the rate of pulmonary morbidity and mortality.

Keyword

Esophagogastrostomy; Postoperative complications; Esophageal reconstruction

MeSH Terms

Anastomotic Leak
Constriction, Pathologic
Esophageal Diseases
Humans
Korea
Mortality*
Postoperative Complications
Seoul
Stomach
Wounds and Injuries