in the laboratory to identify the ideal distribution density of ferromagnetic particles one particle per 0 5 to 1 0 cm 2 of surface area of the intestine provided optimal attraction to the magnetic source particles less than 1 mm in diameter were shown to be more highly attracted to the magnetic source than larger particles the magnetic operating table produces a specifically generated and controlled magnetic field for the movement of the intestines any other magnetically active elements within this field can adversely change field characteristics therefore all other laparoscopic instruments used for surgical manipulations must be magnetically inert simple attraction of an intestine loop to the inside of the abdominal wall is not sufficient for intestine manipulation retraction and translation of intestine segments i e 34 running 34 the intestine is more useful running intestine segments could be done using tandem electromagnets with a rotating core as previously described in respect of adhesions intestine adhesions cannot be overcome by the electromagnetic force in this case conventional laparoscopic instruments would be used until discrete adhesions are released attraction of the intestines towards the magnetic source is the key to success of the operating table of this invention force can be increased by using high current large amounts of wire coiling possibly liquid cooling of wires and u shaped coil design the electromagnetic operating table described hereinabove will ease greatly the laparoscopic manipulation of intestine.