Fastening devices composed of steel-tantalum alloys used to close operative wounds, especially of the skin, which minimizes infection by not introducing a foreign body that would connect external and internal regions of the body. (From Segen, Current Med Talk, 1995)

A technique of closing incisions and wounds, or of joining and connecting tissues, in which staples are used as sutures.

Surgical formation of an opening into the DUODENUM.

Protrusion of the rectal mucous membrane through the anus. There are various degrees: incomplete with no displacement of the anal sphincter muscle; complete with displacement of the anal sphincter muscle; complete with no displacement of the anal sphincter muscle but with herniation of the bowel; and internal complete with rectosigmoid or upper rectum intussusception into the lower rectum.

A Y-shaped surgical anastomosis of any part of the digestive system which includes the small intestine as the eventual drainage site.

Surgical union or shunt between ducts, tubes or vessels. It may be end-to-end, end-to-side, side-to-end, or side-to-side.

Materials used in closing a surgical or traumatic wound. (From Dorland, 28th ed)

Techniques for securing together the edges of a wound, with loops of thread or similar materials (SUTURES).

Surgical formation of an external opening (stoma) into the esophagus.

Breakdown of the connection and subsequent leakage of effluent (fluids, secretions, air) from a SURGICAL ANASTOMOSIS of the digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, and cardiovascular systems. Most common leakages are from the breakdown of suture lines in gastrointestinal or bowel anastomosis.

Herniation of the RECTUM into the VAGINA.

A procedure in which a laparoscope (LAPAROSCOPES) is inserted through a small incision near the navel to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs in the PERITONEAL CAVITY. If appropriate, biopsy or surgery can be performed during laparoscopy.

The field which deals with illustrative clarification of biomedical concepts, as in the use of diagrams and drawings. The illustration may be produced by hand, photography, computer, or other electronic or mechanical methods.

Creation of an artificial external opening into the stomach for nutritional support or gastrointestinal compression.

Surgery performed on the digestive system or its parts.