Handsewn Versus Stapled Gastroduodenostomy in Patients with Gastric Cancer: Long-Term Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background The role of circular staplers in gastroduodenostomy during subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer has not been defined clearly. Methods A randomized clinical trial included patients with gastric cancer who underwent subtotal gastrectomy with either stapled (99 patients) or handsewn gastroduodenostomy (98 patients). The anastomosis time and postoperative outcomes in the two groups were compared. Results Performance of stapled gastroduodenostomy was significantly quicker than handsewn gastroduodenostomy. There were no significant differences between the groups in postoperative course, morbidity and mortality rates, survival rate, and recurrence pattern. Conclusions Stapled gastroduodenostomy with a circular stapler can reduce the anastomosis time with relative safety.