OBJECTIVETo review the experience of the surgical procedure in the treatment of postoperative severe cicatricial anastomotic stricture for esophageal cancer and cardiac cancer.

METHODSTwenty-four cases with severe anastomotic strictures and dysphagia after esophagectomy underwent second operation. The anastomosis was opened by two small transverse incisions about 1-2 mm above and below the anastomotic line. The esophageal and gastric walls were half opened. Then the circular cicatricial tissue was partially removed. The re-anastomosis was performed with a one layer, intermittent technique.

RESULTSThe second operations were successfully completed in 24 cases, cervical anastomotic leakage happened in 1 case and no operative mortality. All cases were followed up for 2-3 years. All patients can eat soft and common diet smoothly. No anastomotic strictures were found and the quality of life was significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONThe second surgery with partial removal of the narrow cicatricial ring and reanastomosis for postoperative severe anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy is feasible, and the result is satisfactory.