Lifting of the colon for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for colon and rectal cancer

Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for colon and rectal cancer causes less surgical trauma than does open colectomy. However, current methods are more costly and require highly skilled staff. In addition, the technique for lymphadenectomy has yet to be standardized. We developed a technique that uses a nylon suture to elevate the colon. This method reduces costs without compromising the completeness of the resection.

Three trocars are introduced and a 1-0 nylon suture is passed into the abdominal cavity and through the mesocolon. The colon is retracted anteriorly and is fixed by this suture to the abdominal wall. The main mesenteric vessels are under tension, and lymph node dissection is performed easily. This method requires only 2 surgeons, an operator, and a scopist, because the colon is fixed to the abdominal wall. In addition, the working space is more stable because the colon is fixed to the abdominal wall. The procedure is relatively independent of the skill of the first assistant.

From April 2000 to August 2002, this method was performed in 52 patients. The mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 16.9+/-9.0 (range, 6 to 41). Nine patients had lymph node metastases (17.3%). One patient developed hepatic recurrence; all patients are alive. No complication occurred that was related to lifting the colon.

Using a suture to lift the colon is a useful method for performing laparoscopic-assisted colectomy with lymphadenectomy. This method reduces the number of surgical staff and the expense of the procedure.