Murphy's Button: For Uniting Colostomy in Anastomosis Procedure
AssociatedAssociated with
Dr Gray's Hospital
Object NameMurphy's Button
MediumSteel
ClassificationsMedicine and Healthcare
Dimensions1.7 x 2.5cm
AcquisitionKenneth A Webster Nursing Collection.
LocationView by Appointment
Object numberABDMS074656
About MeIn gastro-intestinal surgery it is sometimes necessary to remove a section of intestine (anastomosis). Thereafter the separated sections must be rejoined. This can be achieved by suturing (stitching or stapling). In 1892 the American surgeon John Benjamin Murphy invented the Murphy Button. This was an alternative to suturing, it was a sort of prosthesis. The button, which splits in half, drew the separated ends together, holding them close during the healing process. However, it did have the drawback of tending to give a narrowness at the intestinal join, the resulting constriction could be the site for blockages. John Benjamin Murphy, born 21st December 1857, died 11th August 1916.
