Influence of Cartridge Size on the Morbidity of Esophagojejunal Anastomosis with EEA Stapling Devices

A prospective observational study was made on 101 patients subjected to total gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma and reconstructed by means of termino-lateral esophagojejunal anastomosis with a circular mechanical suture. The objective of the study was to analyse the influence of the cartridge size of the mechanical EEA suture in relation to a series of complications in the intra-operative and the short- to medium-term post-operative phases. The 25-mm stapler was used on 53 patients of whom 7 had complications: 2 cases of torn esophageal wall; 1 case of pinching of the mesenteric wall; 2 anastomotic leaks; 1 stenosis, and 1 haemorrhage in the area of the suture line. The 28-mm stapler was used on 48, with 9 complications: tearing of the esophageal wall took place in 1 case; pinching of the mesenteric wall in 3 cases during surgery, and in the postoperative phase, 2 stenoses, and 3 anastomotic leaks. A significant statistical relationship was not found between these complications and the size of the cartridge used.