OBJECTIVES: The use of circular staplers to create anastomoses during colon and rectal resections has become standard practice. However, the economic consequences of the incidence of technical error involving such staplers are poorly characterized. This economic value tool will allow providers to holistically model the total procedural costs associated with the creation of colorectal anastomoses using circular staplers. METHODS: This tool leverages evidence from real-world evidence studies and retrospective patient chart reviews to consider both device costs and the cost of complications associated with the creation of colorectal anastomoses. It is built on four key components: 1) Quantifying device costs; 2) Determining the burden of device performance issues (e.g. instrument misfires, user errors); 3) Determining the incidence and management of intra-operative (IO) anastomotic leaks; and 4) Calculating the burden of post-operative (PO) anastomotic leaks. RESULTS: The estimated total procedural costs associated with the creation of a colorectal anastomosis are $2,703 per case. The largest contributing factor to total procedural costs is the management of PO leaks, which accounts for 54% ($1,472) of such costs. The list price for device costs comprises 32% ($871) of the total procedural costs per case. Smaller, yet substantial cost factors are device performance issues (8% of total costs, $208 per case) and management of IO leaks (6% of total costs, $152 per case). CONCLUSIONS: Device costs associated the creation of anastomoses in colorectal surgery comprise less than one-third of the total procedural costs. Innovative devices which reduce the incidence of PO leaks, device performance issues, and/or IO leaks will offer demonstrable economic value to patients, healthcare providers and payers.