The permanent gastrostomy. Use of the gastrointestinal anastomotic stapler.

A permanent feeding gastrostomy was quickly and simply constructed in 29 patients with low operative risk using the gastrointestinal anastomotic stapler. The technique consisted of a simple application of this stapler on a carefully selected section of the stomach to form a Janeway type of gastrostomy. Activation of the device placed two double rows of staples and cut between them. This left the mucosa in approximation both in the tube and in the body of the stomach. A few additional Lembert sutures was all that was necessary. There were no suture line leaks nor other complications peculiar to the method.