The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 40, 628-629, Copyright © 1985 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Closure of the lower end of the esophagus following esophagectomy
JR Monson and KM Shaw
Carcinoma of the middle third of the esophagus remains a major technical
challenge in surgery. A speedy and safe method for dealing with the lower
esophageal stump is described. After mobilization, the lower esophagus is
denuded of its muscular fibers; the remaining mucosal tube is ligated and
invaginated into the cardia by a pursestring suture.