A safe and effective anastomotic technique for robot‐assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy: Reverse‐puncture anastomosis

BACKGROUND: Oesophagogastric anastomosis is mainly complicated by its tediousness. We hope to modify an oesophagogastric anastomotic technique that simplifies anastomosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 57 cases executed using reverse‐puncture anastomotic (RPA) technique and 64 cases of manual purse anastomosis (MPA) technique for robot‐assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE). Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regards to demographic data and clinical features. All patients had R0 resection. Relative to MPA, RPA group experienced significantly shorter operation times (232.5 ± 33.84 min vs. 262.3 ± 83.94 min, p = 0.038).RPA group patients had shorter anastomotic times relative to MPA group patients (10.5 ± 3.4 min vs. 18.3 ± 4.1 min, p = 0.014). No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse‐puncture anastomosis is safe, feasible in RAMIE. This approach has the potential to efficiently shorten the anastomotic time and ensure safe operation.