Trial Comparing Side-to-Side Stapled and Hand-sewn Esophagogastric Anastomosis in Neck

5 cm of the mobilized stomach will be placed in the neck. Three interrupted sutures will be taken between the posterior wall of esophagus and anterior wall of stomach. A 1.5 cm gastrotomy will be made. Two stay sutures will then be taken, one at the anterior corner of esophagus and another between posterior corner of esophagus and the middle of the gastrotomy. The stapler device (Endopath, EZ45) will be introduced.The staple cartridge will then be rotated so that the posterior wall of the esophagus and the anterior wall of the stomach will align in a parallel manner and fire the stapler. A 16F nasogastric tube will be placed across the anastomosis and the anterior edges of the gastrotomy and open esophagus will be approximated with interrupted 3-0 silk.

A proper site on the anterior wall of stomach away from the stapled line approximately 2 cm below the highest point of the gastric conduit will be anastamosed to esophagus Posterior interrupted seromuscular sutures will be taken with 3-0 silk. The stomach will then be opened transversely (2.5 to 3 cm long). Interrupted stitches with full thickness of the stomach and esophagus will be placed to achieve mucosa to mucosa approximation. A 16F nasogastric tube will then be placed across the anastomosis into the intrathoracic stomach. The anterior wall of the anastomosis will be completed in a manner similar to posterior wall.