Surgical Stapling

Abstract

Surgical staplers facilitate gastrointestinal surgery by rapidly closing or anastomosing bowel. Some anastomoses (e.g., choledochojejunostomy) are best done by hand. For other purposes, such as joining colon to a rectal remnant after a low anterior resection, stapling is easier and faster, or it creates a more consistent anastomosis in an inaccessible location. For most procedures, however, the choice is up to the surgeon. The advantages and disadvantages of various techniques are pointed out throughout this volume in the appropriate chapters.