The history of the Connell Stitch begins at the Milwaukee County Hospital in 1887 and continues across two generations of surgeons, Dr. M.E. Connell and Dr. F Gregory Connell. With this historical article, we review the evolution of the Connell stitch in context of the surgeons responsible for the stitch's development and evolution. Understanding the history of the Connell stitch facilitates a better appreciation for the Connell Stitch that we know and use today.
Keywords: gastrointestinal; general surgery; history.