New upper and lower clamps for use in anterior resection of the rectum by hand suture or stapling techniques

New occlusive clamps have been designed to facilitate anterior resection of the rectum. A T shaped upper occlusive clamp with centrally placed arms, curved transverse end and its total length and light weight provide more secure control of the intestine and allows the surgeon a less obstructed view of the distal site of section than the traditional L shaped rectal clamps. A lower occlusive clamp has been designed to obviate many of the inherent problems of controlling and suturing a rectal stump in the depths of the pelvis. Main concerns and technical troubles are retraction of the stump, loss of control of the flabby rectal remnant and difficulty handling the anterior and posterior walls as the surgeon attempts to make the anastomosis. The lower clamp keeps the rectum from retracting and the proximal cut end is held open by four stay sutures to wings on the right and left blades of the clamp. It is used to facilitate the placement of a purse-string suture in the EEA stapling technique or in a hand sutured anastomosis.