Objective To investigate the efficacy of small-axillary-incision esophagectomy combined with mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis for esophageal carcinoma.Methods From April 2005 to April 2007,56 patients with esophageal cancer underwent small-axillary-incision esophagectomy combined with mechanical esophagogastric anastomosis in our hospital.After thoracotomy was performed via a small axillary incision,the stomach and esophagus were separated.Circular stapler was used for esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy.The anastomotic segment was then enveloped and placed at the esophageal bed.Results The average length of the axillary incision was(13.2?1.6)cm(10-15 cm).No anastomotic leak and hemorrhage,injury to the laryngeal nerve,or chylothorax occurred in this series.53 of the patients were followed up for 4-16 months(mean,7.8 months),during which 1(1.9%)patient developed slight anastomotic stenosis,and 4(7.5%)had gastroesophageal reflux.Conclusions Small axillary incision causes less trauma to the patients leading to a quick recovery.By using mechanical cervical anastomosis,man-mad injuries to the anastomotic segment are avoided,resulting in a low rate of postoperative complications.

Objective To explore the role of enteral nutrition in the treatment of functional delayed gastric emptying. Methods Among 15 patients with functional delayed gastric emptying after resection of esophageal or gastric cardiac carcinoma, 10 patients were treated with enteral nutrition( EN group),5 patients were treated with parenteral nutrition (PN group). Postoperative hospital stay, gastrointestinal decompression amount, recovering time of postoperative gastric emptying were observed to assess the efficacy of enteral nutrition. Results The average postoperative hospital stay was ( 14. 4 ± 4. 6) days in the EN group, whereas (20. 3 ±6. 6) days in the PN group. The average recovering time of postoperative gastric emptying was (19 ±9)days in the PN group and( 12 ± 4)days in the EN group. Conclusion The method of EN can enhance gastric emptying and is effective for functional delayed gastric emptying after resection of esophageal or gastric cardiac carcinoma