Methods of esophagogastric anastomoses following esophagectomy for cancer: A systematic review.

Anastomotic complications are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality following esophagectomy for cancer. Conflicting reports exist regarding the superiority of hand-sewn versus stapled techniques. This systematic review identified eight randomized clinical trials examining this issue. None of the studies reported significant differences in leak rate or early mortality. One study demonstrated a difference in stricture rates, with fewer for hand-sewn anastomoses. There is insufficient evidence to recommend one anastomotic technique over the other. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.