Changes in gastric perfusion during oesophagectomy using real time laser doppler imaging may predict patients at risk of anastomotic complications

Abstract

Background: Anastomotic complications resulting from inadequate perfusion of a gastric conduit have significant implications for patient undergoing esophagectomy. The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and reliability of real time laser doppler imaging (LDI) to measure changes in gastric perfusion during oesophagectomy. The secondary aim was to assess whether there were differences in perfusion between patients with and without anastomotic complications.