Shield for surgical stapler and method of use

A surgical stapler comprising:

• a stapling assembly having a trocar;
• an anvil having an anvil shaft removably detachable with the trocar;
• and
• a shield configured to retract from a first extended position where the shield at least partially covers the stapling assembly to a second retracted position where the shield generally exposes the stapling assembly.

A method for constructing an anastomosis comprising;

• securing an end of a first lumen to be connected;
• inserting a surgical stapler into and through the first lumen to the secured end, the surgical stapler comprising:
• a staple head assembly;
• an anvil having an anvil shaft removably detachable with the trocar;
• and
• a shield configured to retract from a first extended position where the shield generally covers the trocar to a second retracted position where the shield generally exposes the trocar;
• retracting the shield to the second retracted position;
• passing the trocar through the secured end of the first lumen;
• inserting the anvil including an anvil shaft into a second lumen with the anvil shaft exposed;
• connecting the trocar to the anvil shaft;
• using an actuator on to drive the anvil and staple head assembly together, thereby stapling the first and second lumens together;
• and
• removing the surgical stapler from the patient.