Stapling technique for abdominal hysterectomy

SummaryTwenty patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy using an automatic stapling machine were evaluated, and details of the instrument, technique and pitfalls are presented. The staples themselves are novel in that they are composed of a modification of a lactic acid polymer and are totally reabsorbable. The complications encountered included initial difficulty and clumsiness using the instrument; vault closure was a problem in two patients and there was one case of vault haematoma due to inadequate haemostasis. Follow up to 6 weeks after the operation was uneventful.This is a safe speedy and easily learnt technique which is an excellent adjunct in gynaecological surgery and has decided advantages over traditional methods of suture ligation.