The application of CDH circular stapler for upper digestive tract reconstruction in 72 cases

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of CDH circular stapler in upper digestive tract reconstruction.Methods:Intrathoracic or cervical esophagogastrostomy ws performed in 72 cases with esophageal or cardiac cancer using a kind of new stapler-CDH circular stapler between March 1996 and January 1997. Of these 72 patients, 49 were esophageal cancer and 23 were cardiac cancer; 2 underwent cervical anastomosis, 46 underwent superaortic anastomosis and 24 underwent subaortic anastomosis. Results:Post-anastomotic stricture developed only in 1 case, and no instrumental failure or leakeage occured.Conclusion:CDH circular stapler may be used safely and reliably in upper digestive tract surgery.