Using smaller circular staplers in esophagojejunostomy does not harm patients’ quality of life post-surgery.

• No differences were found in quality-of-life scores between patients using small vs. large staplers.
• Anastomotic lumen diameter had no impact on quality-of-life outcomes.

Surgeons can confidently select smaller staplers when anatomical constraints arise without compromising patient recovery.

• Findings challenge the notion that larger stapler sizes are essential for better postoperative outcomes.