Circular stapler introducer: a novel device to facilitate stapled colorectal anastomosis.

OBJECTIVES

A circular stapler introducer was developed to protect the head of the circular stapler and enable atraumatic introduction and advancement of the circular stapler without interfering with the application and safety of an anastomosis.

METHODS

In a Phase I prospective study, we tested the feasibility and safety of the novel circular stapler introducer device in 60 consecutive patients undergoing left-sided colorectal resections.

RESULTS

The median distance of the anastomoses from the anal verge was 12 cm (7-20, n = 60). Total morbidity was 15 percent. No mortality was observed. Handling of the circular stapler introducer was considered nonproblematic by all surgeons who participated in the study. No interference of the circular stapler introducer with the circular stapling devices used was encountered. The advancement of the stapler into the end of the colorectal stump was always possible with the aid of the circular stapler introducer.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the circular stapler introducer facilitates the double-stapling technique of colorectal anastomosis. The circular stapler introducer has great potential and should be tested in larger studies.