Endo-bowel clamp (PL540S) for safe rectal irrigation in laparoscopy-assisted rectal resection.

We describe a technique of rectal irrigation using an endo-bowel clamp (PL540S) in laparoscopy-assisted rectal resection. One of the major concerns associated with current techniques of laparoscopy-assisted rectal resection is accidental tumor spillage because it is difficult to perform the necessary procedures without grasping and manipulating the bowel and mesorectum near the tumor. Therefore, sufficient intraoperative rectal irrigation is essential for preventing intraluminal implantation of rectal cancer. However, this can be difficult, especially if the tumor is located in the rectum. By placing a PL540S before transection, it is possible to occlude the rectum completely and irrigate it effectively. We think that the PL540S is a valuable device in laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.