Background/aims: Nowadays the risk of anastomotic dehiscence after gastrectomy still exists. So the aim of this study was to analyze our experience regarding these anastomoses.
Methodology: In our Surgical Unit, which is located in the Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies of the University of Catania, from January 1st 1985 to December 31st 2000, 249 patients underwent surgery for gastric cancer.
Results: We observed a statistically significant decrease of leaks in the third period of our study.
Conclusions: These data demonstrate a significant decrease of anastomotic leaks with stapler in comparison to manual anastomoses.