Catheter-guided anvil insertion for circular stapler esophagojejunal anastomosis: a novel technique in laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of employing the catheter-guided stapler anvil insertion technique for esophagojejunal anastomosis using a circular stapler during laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2021 to April 2023, the catheter-guided stapler anvil insertion technique was employed in 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for esophagojejunal anastomosis. A modified D2 dissection, according to the en bloc technique, was performed in the patients. Subsequently, a longitudinal incision, approximately 2 cm in length, was made on the anterior wall of the esophagus, about 2 cm above the tumor. The transection line was pre-marked with blue dye along the esophagus's minor axis, and the tail of the anvil was capped with a 10-cm length of catheter (F14 d4.7 mm). The surgeon secures the head of anvil and carefully inserts it into the esophagus, ensuring that only a 5-cm segment of the catheter remains outside the esophagus. A linear cutter was employed to transect and seal the lower end of the esophagus. Subsequently, esophagojejunostomy was performed under laparoscopic guidance using a circular stapler. RESULTS: Among patients undergoing esophagojejunal anastomosis with the new technique, postoperative complications included pneumonia or pleural effusion in 14 patients (17.5%), anastomotic stenosis in 3 patients (3.75%), abdominal infection in 2 patients (2.5%), and intestinal obstruction in 1 patient (1.25%). No instances of anastomotic leakage, anastomotic bleeding, or deaths were recorded. All patients experiencing complications improved with conservative treatment, without the need for secondary surgery. CONCLUSION: The catheter-guided stapler anvil insertion technique is demonstrated to be a safe and effective method for esophagojejunostomy, potentially reducing the occurrence of anastomotic leakage.

Step-by-step esophagojejunal anastomosis after intra-corporeal total gastrectomy for laparoscopic gastric cancer treatment: technique of "reverse anvil" / Passo a passo da anastomose esofagojejunal intra-corporea apos gastrectomia total para o tratamento do cancer gastrico por laparoscopia: padronizacao tecnica da "ogiva reversa"

Background: The laparoscopic gastrectomy is a relatively new procedure due mainly to the difficulties related to lymphadenectomy and reconstruction. Until the moment, technique or device to perform the esophagojejunal anastomosis by laparoscopy is still a challenge. So, a safe, cheap and quickly performing technique is desirable to be developed. Aim : To present technique proposed by the authors with its technical details on reconstruction with "reverse anvil". Method: After total gastrectomy completed intra-corporeally, the reconstruction starts with the preparation of the intra-abdominal esophagus cross-section next to the esophagogastric transition of 50%. A graduated device is prepared using Levine gastric tubes (nº. 14 and 10), 3 cm length, connected to the anvil of the circular stapler (nº. 25) with a wire thread (2-0 or 3-0) of 10 cm, which is connected to end of this device. The whole device is introduced in reverse esophagus. The esophagus is amputated and the wire is pulled after previous transfixation in the distal esophagus and the anvil positioned. The jejunal loop is sectioned 20-30 cm from duodenojejunal angle, and the anvil put in the jejunal loop and connect previously in the esophagus. Linear stapler (blue 60 mm) is used to close the opening of the jejunal loop. Conclusion: The "reverse anvil" technique used by the authors facilitated the transit reestablishment after total gastrectomy, contributing to obviate reconstruction problems after total gastrectomy. .

Racional: A gastrectomia laparoscópica é relativamente recente em função da dificuldade técnica relacionada à linfadenectomia e reconstrução. Até o momento, não se tem uma técnica ou dispositivo para realizar a anastomose esofagojejunal por laparoscopia que seja segura, de baixo custo e rápida execução. Objetivo : Apresentar técnica proposta pelos autores com seus detalhes técnicos de reconstrução com "ogiva reversa". Método : Após gastrectomia total completamente intra-corpórea, a reconstrução inicia-se com o preparo do esôfago intra-abdominal, com secção transversal de 50%, próximo a transição esofagogástrica. O dispositivo é preparado usando as sondas de Levine (nº.14 e 10), com 3 cm de comprimento, ligado à ogiva do grampeador circular (nº. 25) e um fio agulhado (2-0 ou 3-0) de 10 cm, ligado ao final do dispositivo que é introduzido no sentido inverso ao esôfago; ele é amputado e o fio puxado em seguida, posicionando a ogiva no esôfago distal. O jejuno a 20-30 cm do ângulo duodenojejunal é seccionado, introduzindo-se o grampeador no jejuno e conectando-o à ogiva, previamente posicionada no esôfago. Grampeador linear (azul de 60 mm) é utilizado para fechar a abertura do "cajado" do jejuno. Conclusão: A técnica de "ogiva reversa" utilizada pelos autores, facilitou a reconstrução do trânsito digestivo, contribuindo para diminuir as dificuldades técnicas na sua reconstrução após gastrectomia total. .