Fig. 7

Relationship between anastomotic site and value of tissue oxygen saturation of the stomach tube. The actual anastomotic position in the final gastric tube and the distribution of tissue oxygen saturation (%) at the terminal line of the RGEA are shown as oral (+) and anal (−) from the terminal line of the RGEA. Tissue oxygen saturation generally ranged from 50 to 70% in most cases. The actual anastomotic position varied. In cases with anastomotic leakage, the anastomotic position was on the oral side of the terminal line of the RGEA. Tissue oxygen saturation in the anastomotic leakage cases was below 50% in all cases. (Cases with suture failure are indicated by red dots)