[Key point and skill of assistant cooperation in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer]

A good team work including an excellent assistant is very important for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, because of the complex anatomy around the stomach and the difficulty of extra-gastric lymphadenectomy. An assistant with expert cooperation can shorten the operation time, decrease bleeding, increase the smoothness of the operation, improve the quality of surgery. Growth of assistants requires time and case accumulation. Firstly they should understand their own tasks, perfect themselves in the use of laparoscopic instruments and operating skills. A good assistant should follow the lead of the surgeon and maintain good cooperation, and keep on learning in order to shorten the learning curve.