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Background: Surgical standardization for transverse colon cancers (TCC) has not been established, and the oncologic benefit of central vessel ligation (CVL) are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the oncologic safety of TCC surgery without CVL of the middle colic artery (MCA)., Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational, comparative study. The clinical, surgical, and pathological characteristics of the patients who underwent radical surgery for non-metastatic TCC between January 2012 and December 2020 were investigated, and the characteristic and oncologic outcomes of No CVL and CVL groups were compared., Results: The number of No CVL and CVL groups was 47 (44.3%) and 59 (55.7%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in surgical complications, stage, mean number of retrieved lymph nodes (LN) (24.12 vs. 22.36 p = 0.464), mean number of metastatic LN (1.53 vs. 0.74, p = 0.163), mean proximal margin (19.2 cm vs. 16.7 cm, p = 0.139), mean distal margin (9.6 cm vs. 9.9 cm, p = 0.753), adjuvant chemotherapy, total recurrence rate (6.4 vs. 11.9%, p = 0.507), lymphatic recurrence rate (0.0% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.253), and local recurrence rate (2.1 vs. 1.7%, p = 0.984). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference of 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in stage II (DFS: 94.4 vs. 91.3%, p = 0.685, OS: 94.1 vs. 95.5%, p = 0.838) and stage III (DFS: 88.5 vs. 68.4%, p = 0.253, OS: 100.0% vs. 79.7, p = 0.328)., Conclusion: TCC surgery without CVL of the MCA showed comparable surgical and oncologic outcomes compared to surgery with CVL. Therefore, preservation of a branch of the MCA may be considered a safe option, when combined with adequate lymph node dissection, if necessary. A large, prospective, and controlled study will be necessary to provide solid evidence of the oncologic safety of this procedure., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: During laparoscopic left hemicolectomy procedures, a previously overlooked consistently thick blood vessel within the gastrocolic ligament near the splenic hilum may contribute to post-operative bleeding complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the identification and management of the previously overlooked blood vessel., Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients undergoing laparoscopic left colectomy for splenic fexure cancer conducted at a national gastrointestinal surgery centre in China. Consecutive patients with splenic fexure cancer who underwent laparoscopic left colectomy using our"five-step process"(n = 34) between January 2021 and July 2023 were included., Results: The vessels can be effectively exposed using the aforementioned "five-step process." It was observed that the overlooked vessels consistently present in all patients were identified as the omental branch of the left gastroepiploic artery and vein., Conclusion: We have identified the origin of previously overlooked blood vessels and recommended a safe method for their management. This may offer advantages to colorectal surgeons performing laparoscopic left colectomy for splenic flexure cancer., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Adequate blood supply is one of the key factors for colorectal anastomosis healing. Various variants of vascular anatomy often come as a surprise to surgeons during operations., Objectives: The aims of this study were to carry out a comparative analysis of three-dimensional-computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography data with intraoperative data and a detailed analysis of variants of the anatomy of splenic flexure., Material and Methods: In this study, we included 103 patients (56 males and 47 females; mean age 64.2 ± 11.6) with the left-sided colon and rectal cancer who underwent preoperative 3D-CT angiography at Ternopil University Hospital between 2016 and 2022., Results: According to the recently proposed classification, there are four types of blood supply to the splenic flexure of the colon: Our analysis showed that type 1 was found in 83 (80.6%) patients, type 2 in 9 (8.7%), type 3 in 10 (9.7%), and type 4 in 1 (1%). All patients underwent local left radical hemicolectomy with resection of complete mesocolic excision (CME), central vascular ligation (CVL) and resección (R0). Seven cases were operated laparoscopically; and the median quantity of removal lymph nodes was 21.54 ± 7.32. Positive lymph nodes were revealed in 24.3% cases. AL was diagnosed in one patient., Conclusions: Careful pre-operative analysis of vascular anatomy on 3D-CT angiography will assess the vascularization of the splenic flexure of the colon, reduce intraoperative time to identify structures, and develop a personalized strategy for surgery which potentially can reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage.

Aim: The splenic flexure has variable vascular anatomy, and the details of the venous forms are not known. In this study, we report the flow pattern of the splenic flexure vein (SFV) and the positional relationship between the SFV and arteries such as the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA)., Methods: This was a single-centre study using preoperative enhanced CT colonography images of 600 colorectal surgery patients. CT images were reconstructed into 3D angiography. SFV was defined as a vein flowing centrally from the marginal vein of the splenic flexure visible on CT. AMCA was defined as the artery feeding the left side of the transverse colon, separate from the left branch of the middle colic artery., Results: The SFV returned to the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) in 494 cases (82.3%), the superior mesenteric vein in 51 cases (8.5%) and the splenic vein in seven cases (1.2%). The AMCA was present in 244 cases (40.7%). The AMCA branched from the superior mesenteric artery or its branches in 227 cases (93.0% of cases with existing AMCA). In the 552 cases in which the SFV returned to the IMV, superior mesenteric vein or splenic vein, the left colic artery was the most frequent artery accompanying the SFV (42.2%), followed by the AMCA (38.1%) and the left branch of the middle colic artery (14.3%)., Conclusions: The most common flow pattern of the vein in the splenic flexure is from the SFV to IMV. The SFV is frequently accompanied by the left colic artery or AMCA., (© 2023 The Authors. Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the extent of lymph node dissection (LND) determined using preoperative Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D-CTA), in the management of splenic flexure colon cancer (SFC)., Patients and Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, 61 patients who underwent preoperative 3D-CTA and laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision for SFC between December 2011 and December 2021 were identified at a tertiary care center in Japan. Preoperative 3D-CTA was used to confirm the feeding arteries, following which the extent of LND was determined. Left hemicolectomy was performed in cases requiring LND in the domains of the middle colic artery and left colic artery. In other cases, a partial colectomy (PC) that was defined as a segmental resection of the splenic flexure with LND in the domains of the feeding arteries was performed. Surgical and oncological outcomes were compared between PC and left hemicolectomy., Results: Preoperative 3D-CTA enabled the evaluation of the feeding artery in all patients. PC was performed in 51 patients (83.6%). Patients who underwent PC had a shorter operative time (p=0.03) and less blood loss (p=0.01). There was no difference in complications between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in 5-year overall survival, nor 3-year disease free survival., Conclusion: Preoperative simulation using 3D-CTA has the potential to be useful in the identification of feeding arteries and determination of the oncologically adequate extent of LND for each patient., (Copyright © 2023 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: The splenic flexure is irrigated from two vascular areas, both from the middle colic and the left colic artery. The challenge for the surgeon is to connect these two vascular areas in an oncological safe procedure., Materials and Methods: The vascular anatomy, manually 3D reconstructed from 32 preoperative high-resolution CT datasets using Osirix MD, Mimics Medical and 3-matic Medical Datasets, were exported as STL-files, video clips, stills and supplemented with 3D printed models., Results: Our first major finding was the difference in level between the middle colic and the inferior mesenteric artery origins. We have named this relationship a mesenteric inter-arterial stair. The middle colic artery origin could be found cranial (median 3.38 cm) or caudal (median 0.58 cm) to the inferior mesenteric artery. The lateral distance between the two origins was 2.63 cm (median), and the straight distance 4.23 cm (median). The second finding was the different trajectories and confluence pattern of the inferior mesenteric vein. This vein ended in the superior mesenteric/jejunal vein (21 patients) or in the splenic vein (11 patients). The inferior mesenteric vein confluence could be infrapancreatic (17 patients), infrapancreatic with retropancreatic arch (7 patients) or retropancreatic (8 patients). Lastly, the accessory middle colic artery was present in ten patients presenting another pathway for lymphatic dissemination., Conclusion: The IMV trajectory when accessible, is the solution to the mesenteric inter-arterial stair. The surgeon could safely follow the IMV to its confluence. When the IMV trajectory is not accessible, the surgeon could follow the caudal border of the pancreas., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for cancer located in the transverse colon or splenic flexure is difficult because of vascular variability in this region and adjacent vital organs such as the pancreas, spleen, and duodenum., Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 51 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer at Tokushima University Hospital from July 2015 to December 2020. Variations of the middle colic artery (MCA), left colic artery (LCA), middle colic vein (MCV), and first jejunal vein (FJV) and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in patients with each vascular variation were evaluated., Results: Variations of the MCA, LCA, MCV, and FJV were classified into four, three, five, and three patterns, respectively. The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer in patients with MCA variations and those with FJV variations were evaluated, and no significant difference was found in the operation time, blood loss, postoperative complication rate, time from surgery to start of dietary intake, or time from surgery to discharge among the different variations. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for descending colon cancer in patients with LCA variations., Conclusion: Preoperative assessment of vascular variations may contribute to the stability of short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon, splenic flexure, and descending colon cancer., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been demonstrated to be a useful surgical procedure for advanced colon cancer. We previously reported on laparoscopic (Lap) CME with true central vascular ligation (CVL) for advanced right-sided colon cancer. Lap CME with true CVL is highly plausible from the perspective of surgical oncology. However, true CVL of the middle colic artery (MCA) may require extensive resection of the transverse colon. The Japanese Classification of Colorectal Cancer defines D3 as main lymph node dissection around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and true CVL is not listed as a required condition. Our institution has been performing a Lap procedure (Lap D3/modified CME) that consists of the dissection of main lymph nodes around the root of the MCA (#223LNs) while preserving the left branch of the MCA. Two videos of a Lap D3/modified CME are presented, and the short-term outcome is reported., Methods: Lap D3/modified CME was defined as Lap ligation surgery at the root of the right branch of the MCA that preserves the MCA with #223LNs on the resection side. The present study retrospectively examined 11 cases of Lap D3/modified CME performed at the Tokyo Medical University Hospital between 2015 and 2020. When the SMA is difficult to visualize in Type V/A cases, the SMV is pulled using some silicone string, and the surrounding lymph nodes are dissected while visualizing the SMA., Results: The median operating time was 289 min, and the median blood loss was 57 ml. The median total number of dissected lymph nodes was 38, and the median number of dissected #223LNs was three. No metastasis was found in the dissected #223LNs., Conclusion: Although this surgery can be performed safely, we believe that this surgery needs to be performed for suitable cases by a highly experienced and skilled surgical team.

Introduction: Anatomical evaluation of the splenic flexure vein is essential for complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation when treating patients with splenic flexure cancer. Although there have been several studies relating to the arterial branches of the splenic flexure, very limited data are available regarding the variation in venous anatomy in this region., Methods: Sixty-six patients with colorectal cancer who underwent preoperative 3-D CT between April 2016 and April 2017 were included in this retrospective study. The pattern of the venous drainage of the splenic flexure and its association with the inferior border of the pancreas were evaluated., Results: The inferior mesenteric vein flowed into the splenic vein in 32 patients (48.5%), into the superior mesenteric vein in 27 patients (40.9%), and into the confluence of splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein in 7 patients (10.6%). The splenic flexure vein joined the inferior mesenteric vein in 62 patients (93.9%), the splenic vein in 2 patients (3.0%), and the middle colic vein in 2 patients (3.0%). The splenic flexure vein flowed into the inferior mesenteric vein below the level of the inferior border of the pancreas in 58 patients (90.6%) and above it in 4 patients (6.3%)., Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of the venous pattern of the splenic flexure on 3-D CT is useful before complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation to avoid intraoperative bleeding during splenic flexure cancer surgery., (© 2018 Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, Asia Endosurgery Task Force and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Laparoscopic D3 lymph node dissection for transverse colon cancer is technically demanding because of complicated anatomy. Here, we reviewed the vascular structure of the transverse mesocolon, explored the extent of the base of the transverse mesocolon, and evaluated the feasibility and oncological safety of D3 lymph node dissection. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 42 patients with advanced transverse colon cancer who underwent curative surgery and D3 dissection at Kyushu University Hospital between January 2008 and December 2015. We examined the venous and arterial anatomy of the transverse mesocolon of each resection and compared surgical outcomes between patients who underwent laparoscopic D3 (Lap D3) and open D3 (Open D3) dissection. Patients included two with Stage I, 18 with Stage II, 20 with Stage III, and two with Stage IVA. Thirty-six (85.7%) and six (14.3%) patients underwent Lap D3 or Open D3, respectively. The tumor sizes of the Open D3 and Lap D3 groups were 7.8 and 3.7 cm, respectively (P < 0.001). The Lap D3 group had significantly less blood loss (26 mL vs 272 mL, P = 0.002). The other outcomes of the two groups were not significantly different, including 3-year overall survival (87.7% vs 83.3%, P = 0.385). We observed four patterns of the middle colic artery (MCA) arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and the frequency of occurrence of a single MCA was 64.3%. The right-middle colic vein (MCV) was present in 92.9% of resections and served as a tributary of the gastrocolic trunk, and 90.5% of the left MCVs drained into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). The root of the transverse mesocolon was broadly attached to the head of the pancreas and to the surfaces of the SMV and SMA. Laparoscopic D3 lymph node dissection may be tolerated by patients with advanced transverse colon cancer.

Background: To perform a safe and precise laparoscopic surgery for the splenic flexure cancer, it is important for surgeons to gain a preoperative understanding of the running of the feeding artery of the splenic flexure. We evaluated the blood supply to the splenic flexure by using preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT)., Method: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 88 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent preoperative 3D-CT at our institutions between April 2016 and June 2017., Results: The arterial blood supply to the splenic flexure was divided into four patterns as follows: type 1, the left branch of the middle colic artery (MCA) with common trunk and the left colic artery (LCA) (n = 48, 54.5%); type 2, the left branch of the MCA with independent origin and the LCA (n = 8, 9.1%); type3, the accessory-MCA (A-MCA) and the LCA (n = 27, 30.7%); and type4, the LCA alone (n = 5, 5.7%). The MCA had the common trunk of the right and left branches in the majority of cases (85.2%). The right and left branches of the MCA arose separately from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in 8 of 88 patients (9.1%)., Conclusions: The arterial patterns of the splenic flexure were classified into four patterns by using preoperative 3D-CT. The A-MCA existed in 30% of the patients in this study. These information should be helpful to perform the optimal surgery for the splenic flexure cancer.

Due to a lack of a standardized surgical approach in splenic flexure cancer, we consider useful to present a how to do it material on laparoscopic high left colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation for this type of tumours., (© 2019 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Background: Cancers of the transverse colon (TC) and of the splenic flexure (SF) are rather uncommon and their prognosis has been reported significantly poorer as compared to right- and left-sided colon cancers. Several studies tried to investigate which is the optimal surgery for oncological and survival outcomes reporting extended colectomies as more effective than limited resections., Methods: All consecutive patients with diagnosis of colorectal cancer submitted to surgical resection with anastomosis between January 2005 and December 2016 at the Division of Surgical Oncology and Digestive Surgery, Department of Oncology, at the University of Turin, were included. Based on tumor location, patients were enrolled in arm A (cancer of the ascending colon, right (hepatic) flexure, left and sigmoid colon) or arm B (cancer of the transverse colon and of the left (splenic) flexure)., Results: Out of 1433 patients registered, 500 patients fulfilled all inclusion and exclusion criteria and were allocated in arm A (N.=425) or in arm B (N.=75). Central vascular ligation and the achievement of at least 5 cm of healthy margin were always performed in all procedures of both arms. Patients' population of the two arms was homogeneous as concerns demographic characteristics and stage of the disease. In arm A, resections were performed more frequently by mini-invasive approach as compared to arm B. Operative time was statistically longer in arm B. Postoperative complications rate was extremely low and comparable in both arms (13.4 and 8.0 in arms A and B, respectively). No postoperative mortality was observed. Overall 5-year survival rates were similar in arm A and B (82.3% and 73.05%, respectively; P=0.29). Arm B patients were treated either with more limited resections (resection of the TC and of the SF) or with extended colectomies (right- and left-sided, standard or enlarged, hemicolectomies), both associated with central vascular ligation. Despite a shorter length of surgical specimen after limited resections, postoperative complications, lymph node yield, and survival were absolutely comparable in both types of surgical treatments., Conclusions: Limited resections for TC and SF cancers can be performed with the same clinical, oncological and survival outcomes as compared to more extended colectomies if an adequate size of the specimen for the achievement of at least 5 cm of health margin is associated to Central Vascular Ligation.

Background: The present study is to set up a standardized approach for complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure using da Vinci Xi ® robotic system, based on clarification of the mesenteric structures of distal transverse colon., Methods: The surgical outcomes and relevant anatomic structures of 104 consecutive patients undergoing robotic resection of primary colorectal cancer with the intent of complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure using da Vinci Xi ® robotic system were retrospectively reviewed., Results: Complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure can be efficiently performed by the Xi ® robotic system, as demonstrated by short operation time, minimal intra-operative blood loss, and few surgical complications. Xi ® robotic system has overcome the drawbacks of Si ® robotic system for the mobilization of colonic splenic flexure. The present study defined the following anatomic hallmarks for the colonic splenic flexure: (1) The transverse mesocolon distal to the inferior mesenteric vein adheres to the low border of pancreas by the avascular fibrous connective tissues, which have been inappropriately named as "mesenteric root"; (2) The colonic splenic flexure abuts closely to spleen with an acute angle in 78.85% (n = 82/104); (3) Only a minority of patients presented with the Riolan branch (15.38%, n = 16/104) or the Moskowitz artery (8.65%, n = 9/104)., Conclusion: With increased maneuverability of Xi ® robotic arms and the clarification of relevant anatomic concept, the surgical technique for the complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure can be standardized; and the standardization of surgical technique is the first step toward the enhanced automation in the rapidly evolving robotic systems.

Aim: Surgery for colorectal cancer located in the splenic flexure is difficult to perform because of the complex anatomy. Recently, in addition to the middle colic artery and left colic artery (LCA), the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA) has been recognized as a feeding artery for the left-sided colon. This study aimed to evaluate the vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure focusing on the AMCA in a large number of patients., Method: A total of 734 patients who underwent CT before surgery for colorectal cancer were enrolled. We retrospectively evaluated the vascular anatomy using both two- and three-dimensional CT angiography., Results: The AMCA existed in 36.4% of the cases (n = 267). In many cases, it originated from the superior mesenteric artery (n = 228, 85.4%). The AMCA had a common trunk with the transverse pancreatic artery in 54 patients (20.2%). The frequency of the presence of the AMCA was associated with the branching pattern of the LCA, and was more frequent when the LCA was absent (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The presence of the AMCA is not rare and the AMCA has some branching patterns; therefore, recognizing it preoperatively and intra-operatively is important, being especially careful when the LCA is absent., (Colorectal Disease © 2018 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Objective: The appearance of a middle mesenteric artery is a rare branching variation, with an incidence lower than 0.1%. Our case reports such an anatomical artery pattern which was discovered in a male Caucasian cadaver during routine educational dissection. This alternation is seldom encountered and may trouble diagnostic and surgical interventions., Case Report: The case of a Middle Mesenteric Artery is described, as a vessel originating from the Abdominal Aorta 3.3 cm below the origin of the Superior Mesenteric and 3.8 cm above the origin of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery. The middle mesenteric artery, directed upwards, gives two branches for supplying blood to the head of the pancreas. We first mention the thinner branch, corresponding to the posterior one of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, and second the thicker branch corresponding to the anterior branch of the Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery. The main artery continues its course between the two sheets of the mesocolon to supply the transverse colon, thus substituting the normal colic artery., Conclusion: The occurrence of a Middle Mesenteric Artery constitutes a very rare anatomic variation. We present, to our knowledge, the first case described where the Middle Mesenteric Artery provides blood to the pancreas., (Copyright © 2018 by Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.)

Background: The technical difficulty of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer is partly due to the vascular variability around the middle colic vessels. Although individual variations in the arteries or veins in this area were previously investigated, the vascular interrelationships between these vessels remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate the vascular interrelationships between the arteries and veins around the middle colic vessels and to provide practically useful classifications., Methods: This study included 105 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery for colorectal tumors in our institution in 2016. Patients with a history of colectomy were excluded. Vascular anatomical classifications were analyzed by evaluating thin-slice images of preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography., Results: Vascular anatomical patterns were classified according to whether the first jejunal vein ran behind (type A) or in front (type B) of the superior mesenteric artery. Type B was subclassified into two subtypes, depending on whether the middle colic artery originated cephalad (type B1) or caudad (type B2) to the first jejunal vein. We identified 83 (79.0%) cases of type A, 11 (10.5%) of type B1, and 11 (10.5%) of type B2. In 17 cases, the middle colic vein drained into the inferior mesenteric vein, and all of these were type A (P = 0.0202). Furthermore, in eight cases, the middle colic vein drained into the first jejunal vein, and all of these were type B (P < 0.0001)., Conclusions: This study elucidated the vascular interrelationships around the middle colic vessels. Our findings provided important knowledge for laparoscopic surgery in treating transverse colon cancer.

We have encountered in our anatomical practice the first case and an extremely rare second case in which the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colons were supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery. The causes of colic artery anomalies are generally explained in conjunction with the development of the superior mesenteric artery, which is intimately related to embryonic elongation and midgut rotation. However, this embryological model was inapplicable to both cases. This difficulty motivated us to seek possible relationships with reported anomalous inferior mesenteric arteries in adults as well as their embryological causes. We consider that the aberrant right colic artery found in 2009 is an "intermesenteric artery" which anastomoses the superior (or its middle colic branch) and inferior mesenteric artery, but secondarily lost its origin from the superior mesenteric artery. The aberrant colic artery found in 2010 is a "middle-inferior mesenteric artery" in which the inferior mesenteric artery formed a common trunk with remnant middle mesenteric artery.

Background: Complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer may offer an oncologically superior excision compared to traditional right hemicolectomy through high vascular tie and adherence to embryonic planes during dissection, supported by preoperative scanning to accurately define the tumour lymphovascular supply and drainage. The authors support and recommend precision oncosurgery based on these principles, with an emphasis on the importance of understanding the vascular anatomy. However, the anatomical variability of the right colic artery (RCA) has resulted in significant discord in the literature regarding its precise arrangement., Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature on the incidence of the different origins of the RCA in cadaveric studies. An electronic search was conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses recommendations up to October 2016 using the MESH terms 'right colic artery' and 'anatomy' (PROSPERO registration number CRD42016041578)., Results: Ten studies involving 1073 cadavers were identified as suitable for analysis from 211 articles retrieved. The weighted mean incidence with which the right colic artery arose from other parent vessels was calculated at 36.8% for the superior mesenteric artery, 31.9% for the ileocolic artery, 27.7% for the root of the middle colic artery and 2.5% for the right branch of the middle colic artery. In 1.1% of individuals the RCA shared a trunk with the middle colic and ileocolic arteries. The weighted mean incidence of 2 RCAs was 7.0%, and in 8.9% of cadavers the RCA was absent., Conclusions: This anatomical information will add to the technical nuances of precision oncosurgery in right-sided colon resections.

Background: The medial approach in laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization is based on the entrance to the lesser sac just above the ventral edge of the pancreas (VEOP). The artery of Moskowitz runs through the base of the mesocolon, just above the VEOP. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of the artery of Moskowitz, its route and its distance from the VEOP., Methods: We performed a cadaveric study on 27 human cadavers. The vascular arcades of the splenic flexure were dissected, the number of vascular arches, and the origin and localization of its terminal anastomosis were recorded. The splenic flexure avascular space (SFAS) was defined as the avascular zone in the mesocolon delimited by the VEOP, middle colic artery, ascending branch of the left colic artery and the vascular arch of the splenic flexure nearest to the VEOP and was quantified as the distance between the VEOP and the most proximal arch RESULTS: The artery of Drummond was identified in 100% of the cadavers. In 5 of 27 (18%) Riolan's arch was present, and in 3 of 27 (11%) the Moskowitz artery was found. The mean distance from the VEOP to the artery of Moskowitz was 0.3 cm (SD 0.04). This vascular arch travelled from the origin of the middle colic artery to the distal third of the ascending branch of the left colic artery. The SFAS was greater (p = 0.001) in cadavers that only presented the artery of Drummond (mean 6.8 cm; SD 1.25) than in those with Riolan's arch (mean 4.5 cm; SD 0.5) CONCLUSIONS: In the medial approach for laparoscopic mobilization of the splenic flexure, when only one of the arches is present, the avascular area is an extensive and secure territory. If the artery of Moskowitz is present, the area is nonexistent and this would contraindicate the approach due to risk of iatrogenic bleeding. A radiological preoperatory study could be essential for accurate and safe surgery in this area.

Objective: To demonstrate the clinical applicability of 3-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA) in evaluating the anatomic variations of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and left colic artery (LCA), to help make pre-operative strategies of rectal cancer surgery., Methods: 188 patients with abdominal and pelvic contrast-enhanced CT scan were retrospectively enrolled and 3D-CTA was reconstructed. The origin and branching patterns of IMA, tracking patterns of LCA, intersectional patterns among IMA, LCA and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) were examined, and their associations with clinical features were analyzed., Results: The origin of IMA was located 42.1 ± 7.7 mm above iliac artery bifurcation, 64.4% within the area of the 3rd lumbar vertebra. 47.3% of LCA arose independently from IMA, 27.1% arose at the root of sigmoid artery (SA), 20.7% shared a common trunk with SA while 4.8% of LCA was absent. As for track of LCA before anastomosis with marginal artery, 53.2% went straight upward while medial to the inner border of left kidney (Type A), 27.1% traveled diagonally across left kidney (Type B) and14.9% went infero-laterally to the lower border of left kidney (Type C). Short IMA trunk was independently associated with type A LCA and lower site of IMA origin. At the horizontal level of IMA origin, 29% of the LCA went distant from IMV, while 71% (21% medial, 50% lateral) were mutually close, and the close type was independently associated with type A LCA., Conclusion: Preoperative understanding of the vascular variations and the mutual relationship among LCA, IMA and IMV could be obtained by 3D-CTA, which would further help surgeons to set detailed plans for laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery., (Copyright © 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: CT angiography has gained widespread acceptance for preoperative evaluation of blood supply in patients with colorectal cancer. However, there have been few reports that pertain to the splenic flexure, for which surgery is technically difficult. We used preoperative CT angiography and CT colonography to evaluate blood supply to the splenic flexure., Methods: We defined the splenic flexure as the junction of the distal third of the transverse colon and the proximal third of the descending colon. We reviewed 191 cases and considered the descending colon as divided into the proximal third and the distal two-thirds; we then determined which part of the descending colon the left colic artery (LCA) entered. We also considered the transverse colon as divided into the proximal two-thirds and the distal third, and evaluated which part of the transverse colon the left branch of the middle colic artery entered., Result: We classified blood supply to the splenic flexure into six types, described by the feeder vessels: type 1, the LCA (39.7%); type 2, the left branch of the middle colic artery (17.8%); type 3, the LCA and the left branch of the middle colic artery (9.9%); type 4, the accessory left colic artery (4.1%); type 5, the LCA and the accessory left colic artery (2.6%); and type 6, the marginal artery (25.6%)., Conclusion: We classified blood supply to the splenic flexure into more complex types than previous reports had. Because we dissect the lymph nodes according to the type of blood supply, knowing the type before splenic flexure surgery is crucial., (© 2016 Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, Asia Endosurgery Task Force and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: Vascular supply to the right colon has become an issue because of high variability and subsequent impact on minimally invasive surgery. Past cadaveric or radiologic anatomic assessments are noncomprehensive., Objective: Intraoperative charting of right colonic arteriovenous anatomy was undertaken to determine the incidence and scope of vascular variations., Design: Vascular anatomy variations were documented in snapshot images, captured during laparoscopic video recordings or through open surgical digital photography., Settings: Data were drawn from consecutive right hemicolectomies, routinely entailing complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation., Patients: Seventy patients (mean age, 62.7 years; 37 women (52.8%); 33 men (47.2%)), each with surgically treatable right-sided colon cancer, were prospectively studied., Results: Both ileocolic and middle colic arteries were regularly identified (100%), with right colic artery present in 41.4% of patients. Ileocolic and middle colic veins consistently drained into the right colon. Although the ileocolic vein always emptied into the superior mesenteric vein, drainage of the middle colic vein was split (superior mesenteric vein, 94.3%; gastrocolic trunk of Henle, 5.3%), as was drainage of the right colic (superior mesenteric vein, 43.3%; gastrocolic trunk of Henle, 56.7%) and accessory middle colic veins (superior mesenteric vein, 54.5%; gastrocolic trunk of Henle, 45.5%), present in 42.9% and 15.7% of patients. Gastrocolic trunk of Henle was found in 88.6% of patients, usually draining into the superior mesenteric vein. No significant sex-related differences were present regarding the incidence and scope of variability displayed by the right colic artery, right colic vein, accessory middle colic vein, or gastrocolic trunk of Henle classification (p > 0.05)., Limitations: The inconsistency between cadaver and live surgery anatomy and the low BMI of the Asian population might be drawbacks of our study., Conclusions: Variations in right colonic arteriovenous channels, assessed intraoperatively, corroborate those established by cadaveric and radiologic means, prompting a new gastrocolic trunk of Henle classification.

Purpose: Although lymph node metastases to pancreatic and gastroepiploic lymph node stations in transverse colon cancer have been described, the mode of lymphatic spread in this area remains unclear. This study was undertaken to describe possible pathways of aberrant lymphatic spread in the complex anatomic area of the proximal superior mesenteric artery and vein, the greater omentum, and the lower pancreatic border., Methods: Abdominal specimens obtained from four cadaveric donors were dissected according to the principles of complete mesocolic excision. The vascular architecture of the transverse colon was scrutinized in search of possible pathways of lymphatic spread to the pancreatic and gastroepiploic lymph nodes., Results: Vascular connections between the transverse colon and the greater omentum at the level of both the hepatic and the splenic flexures could be identified. In addition, small vessels running from the transverse mesocolon to the lower pancreatic border in the area between the middle colic artery and the inferior mesenteric vein were demonstrated. Moreover, venous tributaries to the gastrocolic trunk could be exposed to highlight its surgical importance as a guiding structure for complete mesocolic excision., Conclusion: The technical feasibility to clearly separate embryologic compartments by predefined tissue planes in complete mesocolic excision was confirmed. However, the vicinity of all three endodermal intestinal segments (foregut, midgut, and hindgut) obviously gives way to vascular connections that might serve as potential pathways for lymphatic metastatic spread of transverse colon cancer.

Background: Lower local recurrence rates and better overall survival are associated with complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for treatment of colon cancer. To accomplish this, surgeons need to pay special attention to the surgical anatomical planes and vascular anatomy of the colon. However, surgical education in this area has been neglected., Objective: The aim of this study is to define the correct surgical anatomical planes for complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation and to demonstrate the correct dissection technique for protecting anatomical structures., Design and Settings: Macroscopic and microscopic surgical dissections were performed on 12 cadavers in the anatomy laboratory and on autopsy specimens. The dissections were recorded as video clips., Methods: Dissections were performed in accordance with the complete mesocolic excision technique on 10 male and 2 female cadavers. Vascular structures, autonomic nerves, and related fascias were shown. Within each step of the surgical procedure, important anatomical structures were displayed on still images captured from videos by animations., Results: Three crucial steps for complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation are demonstrated on the cadavers: 1) full mobilization of the superior mesenteric root following the embryological planes between the visceral and the parietal fascias; 2) mobilization of the mesocolon from the duodenum and the pancreas and identification of vascular structures, especially the veins around the pancreas; and 3) central vascular ligation of the colonic vessels at their origin, taking into account the vascular variations within the mesocolonic vessels and the autonomic nerves around the superior mesenteric artery., Limitations: The limitation of this study was the number of the cadavers used., Conclusions: Successful complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation depends on an accurate knowledge of the surgical anatomical planes and the vascular anatomy of the colon.

Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage presents a common indication for hospitalization and account for over 300,000 admissions per year in the United States. Multimodality imaging is often required to aid in localization of the hemorrhage prior to therapeutic intervention if endoscopic treatment fails. Imaging includes computer tomography angiography, red blood cell tagged scintigraphy and conventional angiography, with scintigraphy being the most sensitive followed by computer tomography angiography. Aberrant celio-mesenteric supply occurs in 2% of the population; however failure to identify this may result in failed endovascular therapy. Computer tomography angiography is sensitive for arterial hemorrhage and delineates the anatomy, allowing the treating physician to plan an endovascular approach. If at the time of conventional angiography, the active bleed is not visualized, but the site of bleeding has been identified on computer tomography angiography, provocative angiography can be utilized in order to stimulate bleeding and subsequent targeted treatment. We describe a case of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage at the splenic flexure supplied by a celio-mesenteric branch in a patient and provocative angiography with tissue plasminogen activator utilized at the time of treatment to illicit the site of hemorrhage and subsequent treatment.

Injury to the spleen is a recognised complication of colorectal resections involving mobilisation of the splenic flexure. Bleeding from the spleen is difficult to control and not infrequently requires splenectomy with its attendant lifelong potential haematological and immunological complications. Furthermore, conversion from a laparoscopic to an open procedure may be required as splenic haemorrhage is more difficult to control laparoscopically. We describe a technique for control of bleeding from the inferior pole of the spleen, used during laparoscopic splenectomy, which may be applied to either open or laparoscopic surgery to achieve haemostasis thereby obviating splenectomy and in laparoscopic cases, conversion to open.

Cutaneous ureterostomy cannot be carried out by the retroperitoneal method in cases showing an insufficient length of the available ureter. We therefore proposed and carried out cutaneous ureterostomy transperitoneally on a ureter of minimum length using the transverse mesocolon. The right and left ureters are drawn from the retroperitoneum into the peritoneal cavity in the renal hilus area. The right ureter is then led from the root of the transverse mesocolon to the area attached to the transverse colon under the subserous part of the transverse mesocolon, and penetrates the gastrocolic ligament. The left ureter is led to the area attached to the transverse mesocolon under the subserous part of the transverse mesocolon, and penetrates the transverse mesocolon, bursa omentalis and gastrocolic ligament. Next, both the right and left ureters are drawn up to the abdominal wall and a ureterstoma is constructed. The transverse mesocolon can be used as supporting tissue for the ureter. Furthermore, this also ensures blood flow in the ureter., (© 2011 The Japanese Urological Association.)

There are no effective conventional systemic cytotoxic therapies for patients with unresectable or advanced hepatocellar carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib, an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was recently approved for the treatment of patients with HCC. Sorafenib is generally well tolerated and has an acceptable toxicity profile.Gastrointestinal perforation is a rare adverse event. We present a case of transverse colon perforation during sorafenib therapy for advanced HCC. A 68-year-old woman with advanced HCC was treated with sorafenib. Eight weeks later the patient presented with the sudden onset of sharp abdominal pain. Emergency surgery was performed for panperitonitis and a perforation involving the transverse colon.

Background: Constipation, diminished gut blood flow, ischaemic colitis and drug therapy may be associated., Aim: To study the effect of constipating medication on, and the regulation of, gut blood flow., Methods: 24 healthy females (mean age 30) received, in a double-blind, three-way crossover study: (i) placebo, (ii) ipratropium 40 microg by inhalation (positive control known to reduce rectal mucosal blood flow) and (iii) oral loperamide 4 mg. Mucosal blood flow was measured at the splenic flexure and rectum using laser Doppler flowmetry. Blood flow in the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries was measured by trans-abdominal Doppler ultrasound., Results: Ipratropium decreased rectal mucosal blood flow by 16% (P=0.009) and splenic flexure mucosal blood flow by 8% (P=0.075). Loperamide caused no change in rectal (P=0.40) or splenic flexure mucosal blood flow (P=0.73). Neither treatment changed superior or inferior mesenteric artery blood flow. Splenic flexure mucosal blood flow showed a positive correlation with rectal mucosal blood flow (r=0.69; P<0.0001)., Conclusions: Vasoactive agents may reduce gut mucosal blood flow in the absence of reduced large vessel flow. Constipating drugs do not necessarily reduce gut blood flow. Rectal mucosal blood flow correlates with splenic flexure mucosal flow, and potentially may be used as a more convenient surrogate for studying splenic flexure blood flow.

We observed a rare variation of splenic artery during the routine dissection in the Laboratory of the Anatomy Department. It arose from the splenic artery toward the distal part of transverse colon which typically supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery. Embryologically distal part of the transverse colon is a segment of hindgut. In this case, splenic artery which an artery of foregut supplies an area of hindgut. The knowledge of splenic artery variations has significant importance during surgery of the organs of the upper abdominal region. In this study, we discussed clinical significance and embryological aspects of this anomalous artery.