Anastomotic stricture complicating esophagectomy.

Regardless of the definition, anastomotic strictures are a common complication after esophagectomy and adversely affect quality of life. They are best avoided by careful surgical technique that minimizes conduit ischemia during preparation, placement, and anastomosis. Anastomotic technique must assure an adequate anastomotic area. The Collard anastomosis, a significant advance in the construction of esophagogastric anastomoses, routinely assures adequate anastomotic area and thus assures fewer anastomotic strictures. The use of small-diameter (21-mm and 25-mm) circular staplers is discouraged, because they are unquestionably associated with the occurrence of major anastomotic strictures. Anastomotic leaks precede many anastomotic strictures, but strictures are not inevitable after leaks. Other variables are less reliably associated with anastomotic strictures. Treatment requires diagnosis and exclusion of recurrent cancer and other causes of stricture. Dilation is safe, but diligence with repeated sessions is necessary to restore swallowing. Reoperation is rarely required.