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. (C) 2003 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.