Radiologic evaluation of complications after esophagogastrectomy

The use of surgical stapling devices has caused renewed interest in the performance of esophagogastrectomy by reducing complications to an acceptable level. This has resulted in a more complicated radiographic appearance of the procedure. Since complications can be devasting, prompt recognition by the radiologist is critical. Sixty consecutive patients undergoing esophagogastrectomy were examined 7 days postoperatively with esophagrams. Forty-seven had been performed using the end-to-end anastomosis stapler. The spectrum of normal postoperative appearances is described. Follow-up examinations were performed in 29 patients. Postoperative complications included leak at a staple line (four), gastric outlet obstruction (two), gastric necrosis (two), and position-dependent problems with gastric emptying (five). Leaks were manifested by pleural effusions and by contrast extravasation, generally at the anastomosis or the distal gastric margin of resection. Late complications included benign strictures (eight), recurrent malignancy (seven), tracheal aspiration (one), reflux esophagitis (two), and bronchoesophageal fistula (two). The presence of a mass greater than 1.5 cm, particularly one extending across the anastomosis, correlated highly with recurrent malignancy.