a method for performing a surgical procedure is disclosed which uses an anvil delivery system including an anvil assembly , a flexible tube having a first end portion and a second end portion , and a fitting to deliver the anvil assembly to a desired site . the method includes the steps of cutting a second end portion of the flexible tube , attaching a fitting to the second end portion of the flexible tube which has been cut , inserting the insertion tip into tissue , advancing the insertion tip along with the flexible tube and anvil assembly to the desired site within a patient &# 39 ; s body , and removing the flexible tube from the anvil assembly and from the desired site leaving the anvil assembly in a patient &# 39 ; s body at the desired site .