Cooperative techniques for surgical assistants in laparoscopy-assisted radical distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Laparoscopy-assisted radical distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer is challenging to perform, particularly when conducted with D2 lymph node dissection. Successful completion of this procedure requires collaboration among all members of the surgical team. On the basis of the clinical data of 52 patients undergone laparoscopy-assisted radical distal surgery for gastric cancer from September 2009 to October 2010, we describe cooperative techniques for first and laparoscopic-holder assistants that are required to ensure successful outcomes. Precautions for surgical assistants are also described.