Four methods have been worked out to improve the reliability of sutures, the seromuscular cuff, the technique of "sterile" closed and semi-closed mechanical anastomoses, the intraoperative emptying of the congested intestine and the transanal (lower) bridging over of the operated area. During three decades of gastrointestinal surgical practice these techniques have ensured satisfactory results and their application can be recommended. The results achieved with the application of these techniques in gastric surgery and in primary colon resection in the presence of ileal-subileal symptoms are discussed.