Patent ID: 7326232

Claim:
A method of adjusting a staple gap in a surgical stapling apparatus including a first and a second jaw structure each having a forward portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion where the first and second jaw structures are joined, the first and second jaw structures being hingedly connected at a connection region of the intermediate portion spaced distally from where the first and second jaw structures are joined, the method comprising the steps of: inserting a gauging element into a staple gap defined between the forward portions of a respective first and second jaw structure, the first and second jaw structures being operably coupled to one another; adjusting the size of the staple gap by manipulating a gap adjustment member disposed between the first and second jaw structures at the intermediate portion of the respective first and second jaw structures adjacent the connection region, to approximate the size of the staple gap to the size of the gauging element; and locking the gap adjustment member into position.