Abstract
The use of mechanical stapling devices in endoscopic surgery has become widespread and commonplace. Although problems have been identified with these, to our knowledge no description has been made of retained, free intraperitoneal staples causing significant morbidity.
We describe the case of a patient who underwent laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Four weeks postoperatively she developed a mechanical small-bowel obstruction which was caused by a free intraperitoneal staple creating an obstructing band. The obstruction was relieved laparoscopically.
We believe that while retained free intraperitoneal staples are generally of no clinical consequence, surgeons should be aware that the potential exists for significant morbidity.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderson DL, O'Regan PF (1993) Laparoscopic gastrointestinal anastomoses. Can J Surg 36(1): 72–74
Daniell JF, Kurtz BR, Lee JY (1992) Laparoscopic oophorectomy: comparative study of ligatures, bipolar coagulation, and automatic stapling devices. Obstet Gynecol 80(3 Pt 1): 325–328
Grainger DA, Meyer WR, DeCherney AH, Diamond MP (1991) Laparoscopic clips. Evaluation of absorbable and titanium with regard to hemostasis and tissue reactivity. J Reprod Med 36(97): 493–495
Inadvertent dislodging of loading units from United States surgical autosuture ENDO GIA 30 surgical staplers (1993) Health Devices 22(8–9): 423–425
Kerbl K, Chandhoke PS, Clayman RV, McDougall E, Stone AM, Figenshau RS (1993) Ligation of the renal pedicle during laparoscopic nephrectomy: a comparison of staples, clips, and sutures. J Laparoendosc Surg 3(1): 9–12
Kerbl K, Clayman RV, McDougall EM, Urban kDA, and others (1993) Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: evaluation of first clinical series. Eur Urol 23(4): 431–436
Kerbl K, Chandhoke P, McDougall E, Figenshau RS, Stone AM, Clayman RV (1993) Laparoscopic stapled bladder closure: laboratory and clinical experience. J Urol 149(6): 1437–1439, discussion 1439–1440
Krasna M, Nazem A (1991) Thoracoscopic lung resection: use of a new endoscopic linear stapler. Surg Laparosc Endosc 1(4): 248–250
Lee CL, Soong YK (1993) Laparoscopic hysterectomy with the Endo GIA 30 stapler. J Reprod Med 38(8): 582–586
Lointier PH, Lautard M, Massoni C, Ferrier C, Dapoigny M (1993) Laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy. J Laparoendosc Surg 3(5): 439–453
Woodland MB (1992) Ureter injury during laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with the endoscopic linear stapler. Am J Obstet Gynecol 167(93): 756–775
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Huntington, T.R., Klomp, G.R. Retained staples as a cause of mechanical small-bowel obstruction. Surg Endosc 9, 353–354 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00187786
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00187786