Objective To explore the value of the LigaSure vessel sealer in laparoscopic gastroenteric surgery. Methods Laparoscopic gastroenteric operations were performed in 45 cases under general anesthesia by using the LigaSure vessel sealer, involving 14 cases of colon cancer, 19 cases of rectum cancer, 6 cases of gastric cancer, 1 case of small intestine cancer and 5 cases of gastric ulcer. Results Laparoscopic operations were performed successfully in all the cases. The operation time was 120～220 minutes, the blood loss was 50～198 ml, and the number of lymph nodes resected was 5～18. No severe complications occurred. Postoperative pathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma in cases of malignant tumors, with negative margins. Conclusions Use of LigaSure vessel sealer in laparoscopic gastroenteric surgery offers not only an excellent hemostatic effect but a satisfactory function for dividing and dissecting tissues.

Objective To study the feasibility and curative effect of laparoscopic radical resection of rectal carcinoma. Methods Sixty-two cases were enrolled in this study between Feb 2003 and Mar 2005, including 32 cases undergoing laparoscopic radical resection (19 Dixon and 13 Miles) , and 30 cases undergoing open radical resection (22 Dixons and 8 Miles). Results The mean operation time of laparoscopic group was 195 min, and open group was 156 min (P 0. 05 ). The GI and urination function of laparoscopic group recovered faster than open group ( evacuated was 2. 7 days vs. 3. 7 days, P