[Mechanical suturing apparatus in gastro-intestinal surgery (author's transl)]

Mechanical sutures by stapled anastomoses represent a remarkable improvement in gastro-intestinal surgery. There are 3 types of stapling instruments: the G. I. A. for gastro-intestinal anastomosis, the E.E.A. a circular stapling apparatus for low colo-recto-anal, esophagojejunal or esophagocolic anastomoses, and the T. A. for everting closure and colonic anastomoses. These 3 types of apparatus have been used by the authors 402 times. Shortening of operating time, lessening of septic steps, high quality of the sutures and sinking risk of leakages allow postoperative mortality and morbidity to be diminished considerably.