Gastrointestinal stapling device has made G.I. Surgery quick and safe. Conventional staplers were introduced for the ‘first time’ in our country by Dr J B Agrawal in 1981. With the introduction of endostapler Laparoscopic surgeons started performing complex G.I. surgeries. Colonic surgery for benign conditions like ileocaecal tuberculosis has become a routine procedure for us. For diverticular diseases, sigmoidectomy can be performed and in cases of rectal prolapse, rectopexy has been done by us with very good results.

For colorectal malignancy Lap colectomy (right or left or anterior resection) is done routinely in dedicated centres. In addition to other advantages it is proved beyond doubt that there is less immuno suppression in Laparoscopic surgery. The fear of port site metastasis has been resolved with refined technique of isolation. All principles of open surgery are followed in the Laparoscopic approach and no compromise is made for number of lymph nodes dissected or maintaining a tumour free margin. Large prospective randomized trials (RCT) have demonstrated better results with Laparoscopic approach (Lacy Amernal Launch 2002; 359, -2224-29

The harmonic scalpel has made this surgery less time consuming and bloodless and with experience the conversion to open surgery is considerably reduced.