THE AUTOSUTURE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS: PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Stapling instruments for gastrointestinal surgery are relatively new in the surgical armamentarium of Australian surgeons. In an attempt to assess their safety and handling characteristics laboratory experience has been obtained in dogs. This has shown that these instruments are effective and easily handled, although costly in routine use. It seems likely that they will provide an appropriate alternative to certain conventional anastomotic techniques.