[Circular stapling anastomosis (EEA) following gastrectomy].

After total gastrectomy because of gastric malignancies 31 oesophagojejunostomies performed in end-to-side fashion using a standard manual technique were compared with oesophagojejunostomies performed in end-to-end fashion by mechanical stapling (EEA). After manual suturing there was a leak in 29% and 25.8% out of all patients died. After automatic mechanical suturing anastomotic failure was seen in 12.9% with a postmortality rate of 3.2%. These results show, that by mechanical stapling a secure oesophagojejunostomy is possible and the risk of gastrectomy can be reduced.