Abstract A circular stapler, which avoids the use of a purse-string suture, is described. The gut to be anastomosed is kept in position by a series of hooks. To avoid anastomotic bleeding two rows of B-shaped staples are inserted. The instrument is loaded manually with individual staples to reduce the cost. Experience with oesophageal anastomoses in 40 dogs showed that bleeding did not occur from the suture line and that there was only one leak from the anastomosis. Late stricture formation occurred in 1 dog.