[Stapling devices on stomach and small bowel (author's transl)]

Sutures, blind closures, and anstomoses can be performed on the stomach and the small bowel with LDS, GIA, TA, and EEA staplers. The advantage of using these devices is a fast, clean operation, with safety comparable to the conventional technique. Leakage in sutures and anastomoses occur in 1% and after duodenal closure in 2.6%. Bleeding has been observed with the GIA and LDS staplers (0.7%-1%). Mortality is equal to the conventional technique. The time saved during operations and fewer infections justify the elevated costs of the stapling devices.