A new technique for esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy after laparoscopic gastrectomy

Objective: To report the newly developed reconstruction technique after laparoscopic total gastrectomy: intracorporeal circular stapling esophagojejunostomy using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil; Covidien), and evaluate its feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes.

Methods: After LTG (3 patients with gastric carcinoma in the body) or LPG (2 patients with gastric carcinoma in the cardiac and fundus, respectively, and 1 with cardiac stromal tumor), the anvil was then inserted transorally into the esophagus by using the OrVil system. Double-stapling esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy with a circular stapler was performed intracorporeally.

Results: The operations were uneventful. The operative time was (183.3+/-25.8) min, and blood loss was (128.3+/-90.2) ml. Postoperative fluorography revealed no anastomotic leakage or stenosis. Patients resumed an oral liquid diet on postoperative day (4.0+/-1.1), and were discharged on day (9.0+/-2.6). Patients were followed at 28 days and no complications were reported.

Conclusions: LTG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction or LPG with esophagogastrostomy using the OrVil system appear to be safe and reliable with satisfactory short-term outcomes.