Before a surgical stapler fails

Surgical staplers are complex mechanical devices that require skill and experience to operate. In several cases in which a stapler failed--and may have led to patient injury--staff reported having difficulties with the device before the actual failure. Unfortunately, surgical staff was undeterred by the warning signs and continued to use the device. In some cases, this decision led to patient injuries. In this Guidance Article, we advise users on how to deal with stapler failures. In particular, we focus on those that are preventable--instances in which staplers warn of the impending failure.