Safe and convenient intrathoracic anastomosis in minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Abstract

To minimize cervical anastomosis complications, minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIILE) was introduced and it has lowered morbidity and mortality [1]. Owing to its safety and convenience, anastomosis technique using circular stapler is widely used for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis in open esophagectomy [2]. The procedure involves the following steps: purse-string suturing of the esophagus, anvil placement in the proximal esophagus