In laparoscopic surgery, we think of soft gauze as a "shield" to compensate for the hardness of the laparoscopic instruments, helping us to better perform laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery and reduce side injuries. Gauze is not just for wiping blood! More often than not, she becomes our assistant, our eyes, our beacon.

01. An ideal laparoscopic gauze
An ideal laparoscopic gauze should meet the following conditions.

A strong adsorption capacity, capable of adsorbing blood seepage during surgery and cleaning the operative field.
be of appropriate size for laparoscopic manipulation, while being able to freely access the 12 mm Trocar. we, as reported in most of the foreign literature, chose a 20 cm x 4 cm satin gauze as the dedicated laparoscopic gauze.
With clear markings for easy intraoperative identification.
With a developing thread to avoid being able to locate and remove it by X-ray in case it is left in the abdominal cavity.

02, the gauze of good use

I. Barrier effect
The frictional nature of the gauze is used to block off the smooth small intestine so as not to interfere with the operative field.

Second, the role of protection guidelines
In rectal surgery, after expanding the medial Toldt gap, placing the small gauze on top of the ureter and genital vessels can avoid damaging the above tissues and organs when cutting the left side of the sigmoid colon adhesions.

Third, blunt support effect
Sometimes pulling the intestinal tube after lining it with small gauze can avoid the accidental injury caused by direct pulling of the instrument.

Fourth, the role of navigational beacon
During the freeing process of the lateral approach of the right hemicocele, gauze can be lined locally after the freeing to the determined position, so that it can be used as a guide when the meeting is held.