Abstract: Background and purpose: Esophageal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in our country. Anastomotic stenosis is a common complication after resection of esophageal cancer, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients after operation. By changing anastomosis, this study explored the methods for prevention of anastomotic stenosis after esophageal cancer surgery. Methods: Patients were randomly divided into groups. Patients admitted on odd dates were placed in the control group whereas patients admitted on even dates were placed in the experimental group. Patients in the control group were treated with gastroesophageal anastomosis using anastomat for gastroesophageal anastomosis. Anastomotic stomach was contracted by purse string suture at first, and then treated with stapler gastroesophageal anastomosis, before the gastroesophageal anastomosis was carried out on patients in the experimental group. After 6 months’ follow-up, the incidences of anastomotic stenosis between the two groups were compared. Results: The postoperative anastomotic stenosis rate in the control group was 19.2%, while that in the experimental group was 0%. There were statistically significant differences between them (χ²=22.8, P<0.005). The incidence of anastomotic stenosis in the control group was significantly higher than that in the experimental group. Conclusion: Anastomotic stomach contracted by purse string suture before stapler gastroesophageal anastomosis can effectively reduce the occurrence of anastomotic stenosis after esophageal cancer surgery.

Key words: Esophageal cancer, Esophagogastrostomy, Anastomotic stenosis