title: A novel technique of finger-assisted laparoscopic surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although advanced and complex laparoscopic procedures are now being performed, tactile sensation is limited with available laparoscopic instrumentation. For immediate hemostasis, it sometimes is necessary to convert laparoscopic into open surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  We improved the procedure with the aid of an abdominal wall sealing device, a Lap protector, and a surgical grove. With this simple apparatus, we can easily switch from laparoscopic to open surgery and vice versa.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 4 cm of skin incision was made. The operator can use his or her finger and most of the usual surgical instruments during the laparoscopic surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Finger-assisted laparoscopic surgery is affordable to perform the advanced laparoscopic procedure. This new technique made laparoscopic abdominal surgery easier and safer for beginners in laparoscopic surgery and skilled surgeons in open surgery. For the experts, this technique set up the safety door for the emergency in laparoscopic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kobe University, 7-5-2, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan. takoiyo@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Takao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ichihara
authors.forename: Moriatsu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takada
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fukumoto
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yasuda
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kuroda
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery