LAUSR

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer is associated with several fundamental problems. A narrow pelvis, deep tumor location, obesity, and comparatively larger tumors lead to difficulties in performing clear dissection, accurately determining a safe distance from the lower margin of the tumor, and performing adequate lavage of the pelvic cavity distal to the tumor before sealing the rectum [1, 2]. In laparoscopyassisted radical resection of mid-low rectal cancer, gauze and bulldog clamps are mainly used to bind and pull the intestine and its mesorectum and block the distal bowel [3]. Use of a bulldog clamp to block the intestines often fails when the bulldog clamp loosens and falls off. Gauze is widely used in clinical practice. However, it is relatively difficult to tie the intestine with gauze strips. Additionally, because of the lack of a selflocking function, gauze cannot completely block the intestine. Therefore, we designed and developed the “disposable tubular viscera strapping and lifting tool” (patent number ZL2016.1.03866607) and its improved product, a single-use intestinal strapping and lifting device called the Wang Intestinal Strap (Figure 1). We applied the two-step lifting method to laparoscopic low anterior resection of mid-low rectal cancer and obtained satisfactory preliminary results.