Laparoscopic gastrointestinal anastomoses.

In a preliminary study of laparoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis, a gastric outlet obstruction was created under laparoscopic control in six domestic pigs, weighing an average of 25 kg. A simultaneous gastroenterostomy was formed with an end-stapling device. All animals recovered clinically, and good anastomotic healing was documented 1 week postoperatively. The authors suggest that an end-stapling device could be one method of creating a gastrointestinal anastomosis for humans that is safe and reliable, allows rapid recovery and decreases hospital stay.