The short term results of colorectal anastomosis using the Russian SPTU and American EEA circular staplers are compared. Anastomoses with these stapling devices were attempted in 61 patients between October 1978 and December 1980. In 1 patient the stapling method failed at operation, so that 60 patients had a stapled anastomosis as their definitive form of anastomosis. Of these, 31 were stapled using the Russian SPTU device and 29 using the American EEA device. Parameters of age, indication for operation, surgical assessment of curability, tumour stage and distance from the anal verge are compared to demonstrate similarity of the groups. Practical aspects of the use of the staplers are discussed. Local complications of dehiscence, anastomotic haemorrhage, stenosis and fistula formation occurred in 17 patients. Complications related specifically to the stapling procedure occurred with similar frequency in both groups: 8 patients treated with the SPTU stapler and 9 patients treated with the EEA stapler. No significant advantage was demonstrated for either stapler with respect to overall local complications; however, the authors have found the EEA stapler both easier to use and easier to maintain.