The introduction of the stapler apparatus has provided safe and effective gastrointestinal anastomotic surgical operations for most surgeons. However, the major disadvantage of stapler surgery is an increased risk of anastomotic stricture formation. Treatment of this kind of stricture is performed mainly by using endoscopic balloon dilators. However, this therapy may fail or the patient may become reactive or uncooperative during dilatation sessions. Herein, we present a case to show the successful and uncomplicated insertion of a self-expanding metallic stent into an esophagojejunal anastomotic stricture which developed 1 month after total gastrectomy and stapled esophagojejunal anastomosis in a patient with gastric carcinoma. This is the 3rd report in the literature.
Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel