Abstract
Anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is one of the most feared complications, which results in increased morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a powered circular stapler on complications after esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer. Between May 2019 and July 2021, all consecutive oesophagectomies for cancer with intrathoracic anastomosis in a high-volume center were included in this retrospective study. Surgeons were free to choose either a manual or a powered circular stapler. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded in a prospective database, according to EsoData. Propensity score matching (age, body mass index, Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance and neoadjuvant therapy) was conducted to reduce potential confounding. We included 128 patients. Powered and manual circular staplers were used in 62 and 66 patients, respectively. Fewer anastomotic leakages were observed with the powered stapler group (OR = 7.3 (95%CI: 1.58-33.7); [3.2% (n = 2) vs 19.7% (n = 13), respectively; p = 0.004]). After propensity score matching, this remained statistically significant (OR = 8.5 (95%CI: 1.80-40.1); [4.1% (n = 2) vs 20.4% (n = 10), respectively; p = 0.013]). Additionally, anastomotic diameter was significantly higher with the powered stapler (median: 29mm (63.3%) vs 25mm (57.1%), respectively; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in comprehensive complication index (p = 0.146). A decreased mean length of stay was observed in the powered stapler group (11.1 vs 18.7days respectively; p = 0.022). Postoperative anastomotic leakage after esophageal resection was significantly reduced after the introduction of the powered circular stapler, consequently resulting in a reduced length of stay. Further evaluation on long-term strictures and quality of life are warranted to support these results.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.