Technical considerations for transabdominal loading of the circular stapler in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is being undertaken with increasing frequency. We describe a technique for introducing the anvil of the circular stapler using a totally transabdominal approach.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a university-affiliated teaching hospital.


RESULTS
The cardiojejunostomy was constructed in all 100 patients using the circular stapler with no complications. No anastomotic leaks were detected postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
The totally transabdominal approach for introducing the anvil of the circular stapler into the gastric pouch is safe and feasible.
Murr
Michel M
MM
Department of Surgery and Interdisciplinary Obesity Treatment Group, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA. mmurr@hsc.usf.edu
Gallagher
Scott F
SF
D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y / Q000379:methods*; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007582:Jejunostomy; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000379:methods*