title: A simple suture-retrieval device for the placement of u-stitches during laparoscopic gastrostomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  During minimally invasive operations, it is sometimes necessary to retrieve the end of a suture or a suture needle and bring it out through the abdominal wall.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a standard needle and a length of suture, we have developed a simple device that allows the retrieval of a suture end during minimally invasive operations that require the placement of U-or stay stitches.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The author has used the device described during more than 100 laparoscopic gastrostomy placement procedures and other operations involving the placement of U- or stay stitches with excellent results and no complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using a beveled hollow-bore needle and a loop of polypropylene suture, one can construct a simple device that allows the retrieval of a suture from within a body cavity during minimally invasive surgery, making the placement of U- and stay stitches easier and more precise.
authors.affiliation: General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. mattei@email.chop.edu
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mattei
mesh_terms: D020878:Device Removal; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes