[Application of a suspending abdominal retractor and stapling device in resection of carcinoma of the gastric cardia using a trans diaphragm approach].

The article describes the structure assemblage and Clinical application of a Suspending abdominal retractor. From the experience gained in 40 cases of cardial carcinoma operated on, it was found that the device has the following advantages: (1) there is no need for a thoracotomy, and hence the operative trauma is much reduced; (2) good exposure of the upper abdomen and lower mediastinum; (3) adequate length of the lower esophagus and as many as 110 lymph nodes can be resected. Postoperative complications were relatively few. The incidence of residual carcinoma at the esophageal Stump was 2.5%, being much lower than in cases using a single abdominal incision, and similar to those using a combined left thoracoabdominal incision. It was concluded that this operative approach, applying the device recommended, is a relatively ideal procedure for resection of carcinoma of the gastric cardia, especially in elderly patients with poor general health.