Comparison of the subtotal and narrow gastric conduit for cervical esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients: a propensity score-matched analysis

Background Several reports have compared narrow gastric conduit (NGC) with subtotal gastric conduit (SGC) for cervical esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy; however, whether which one is more beneficial in terms of postoperative complications remains unclear. To determine the optimal gastric conduit type, we retrospectively investigated and compared the postoperative complications between NGC and SGC used in cervical circular-tapered esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy through a propensity score-matched analysis. Methods Between 2008 and 2022, 577 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy and cervical circular-stapled esophagogastrostomy were enrolled in this study. Results Of the 577 patients, 77 were included each in the SGC and NGC groups, after propensity score matching. Clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly lower in the SGC group than in the NGC group (5% vs. 22%, p