Abstract: An anastomotic instrument is provided for use in the performance of an anastomosis after a prostate has been removed. The instrument has an elongated housing, and an end plate fixed at an end of the housing. Provided in the end plate are a plurality of needle guide holes. A needle driving plunger is provided in the housing to move needles loaded in the instrument through the needle guide holes. The plunger is advanced by a plunger rod connected to an actuator mechanism upon depression thereof by a surgeon. An end cap is detachably connected to the housing for the purpose of covering exposed tips of the needles loaded in the housing.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided for placing a suprapubic catheter within the bladder of a patient. The apparatus essentially includes an elongate element defining a hollow tube and having an end for insertion through the urethra, a flexible wire disposed within the elongate element extending along the length of the elongate element, and a means for reciprocating the flexible wire such as a spring within the elongate element. The end of the flexible wire at the insertion end of the apparatus is provided with a coupling such as a hook for coupling the flexible wire to a catheter tip. The other end of the flexible wire at the handle end of the apparatus is operatively connected to the reciprocating means.

Abstract: A needle stop surgical instrument comprising a finger housing, a needle receiving space, and a handle. The finger housing is adapted for receiving a finger. At one end of the finger housing is an endwall for protecting the finger from injury and the needle receiving space for receiving and guiding a needle. The needle receiving space is preferably in the shape of a cone. At the opposite end of the finger housing is connected the handle which is designed such that when a finger is received in the housing, the remaining fingers of the hand can grip the handle.The instrument is used in a Stamey procedure or similar procedures. The needle stop is used to protect a surgeon's finger from risk of needle injury, by being capable of receiving and guiding a needle through a surgical incision. Using the needle stop, a surgeon can avoid the risk of contracting serious infectious diseases, such as AIDS and Hepatitis B.