OBJECTIVEThe authors report the newly developed reconstruction technique after laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) or laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG): intracorporeal circular stapling esophagojejunostomy(esophagojejunostomy) using the reverse puncture device(RPD).

METHODSAfter LTG or LDG, The anvil is then transorally inserted into the esophagus by using the RPD system. Double-stapling esophagojejunostomy with a circular stapler is performed intracorporeally, and the jejunal stump is closed with an Echelon.

RESULTSThere was no intraoperative complication or conversion to open surgery, the mean operation time was 155 min and blood loss was 75 ml. Postoperative fluorography revealed no anastomosis leakage or stenosis Patients resumed an oral liquid diet on postoperative day 2, and discharged at day 8.

CONCLUSIONSWe have successfully performed LTG or LDG, reconstruction using our technique in 18 patients without any anastomosis complications. We believe that our procedure is a safe and reliable reconstruction method, which is especially useful in obese patients, in whom conventional extracorporeal anastomosis is often difficult.