Surgical outcomes and risk assessment for anastomotic complications after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-flap technique for upper-third gastric cancer.

The incidence rate of anastomotic complications after LPG-DFT was far lower than that reported after conventional esophagogastrostomy. Alternative anastomotic method may be considered for patients with diameter of the esophagus < 18 mm on pre-operative CT image. Prevention of short-term complications may lessen post-operative stricture.