Packs of gauze are needed to stem internal bleeding after portions of the pancreas are removed as a result of severe pancreatitis. The packs need to be changed daily for several days following the procedure and the patient must be repeatedly opened and closed to allow this. In 1978, while attending a medical meeting in Holland, Dr. Stone was turned on to the technique that greatly reduced the time and risk involved in numerous surgeries on individual patients. Once the need for the packs has passed the zippers were removed and the patients stitched up as usual.
The zippers themselves were nothing special; purchased at local shops and sterilized before use.
