The result of 110 cases of esophagogastrostomy by intraluminal elastic circular ligation (IECL) with an absorbable supporting tube was reported. Postoperative X-ray observation of the tube showed that its supporting effect was satisfactory. The tube-drop time was 14.7 +/- 2.5 days and unaffected by the tube size or the site of anastomosis. The supporting tube could be safely absorbed or partially fragmented and expelled from the alimentary tract. Postoperative anastomotic leakage occurred in one case (0.91%) and the cause was analysed. The use of IECL, with the merits of saving time, anastomosing tightly and leaving no suture materials in the anastomotic site, can be expected to prevent the anastomotic leakage and may provide references for other gastrointestinal anastomosis.