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Aim: The aim of this study was to describe all the possible approaches for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization (SFM), each suitable for specific situations, and create an illustrated system to show SFM approaches in an easy and practical way to make it easy to learn and teach., Methods: Two different phases. First part: Cadaver-based study of the colonic splenic flexure anatomy. In order to demonstrate the different approaches, a balloon was placed through the colonic hepatic flexure in the lesser sac without sectioning any of the fixing ligaments of the splenic flexure. Second part: A real case series of laparoscopic SFM., Results: First part: 11 cadavers were dissected. Five potential approaches to SFM were found: anterior, trans-omentum, lateral, medial infra-mesocolic, and medial trans-mesocolic. The illustrative system developed was named: Splenic Flexure "Box"(SFBox). Second part: One of the types of SFM described in first part was used in five patients with colorectal cancer. Each laparoscopic approach to the splenic flexure was illustrated in a video accompanied by illustration aids delineating the access., Conclusion: With the cadaver dissection and subsequent demonstration in real-life laparoscopic surgery, we have shown five types of laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization. The Splenic Flexure "Box" is a useful way to learn and teach this surgical maneuver.

Background: Most perianal abscesses have a cryptoglandular origin, following the pathogenesis described by Parks in 1961. Supralevator abscesses have the most uncommon location. Nevertheless, such pathology results in a high morbidity because of their difficult diagnosis and treatment., Objective: This study aimed to deepen the knowledge of the pathogenesis and management of supralevator abscesses, as well as the complications derived from incorrect treatment, by using simulation in cadavers., Design: This study is an anatomosurgical description of pelvic and perianal zone and simulation of the different types of supralevator abscesses, their correct drainage routes, and secondary complex fistulas due to incorrect drainage., Settings: This dynamic article is based on cadaveric simulation., Patients: Three cadaveric pelvises (2 male and 1 female) were prepared in formalin and sagittally sectioned, and one perineal dissection was performed of a fresh male pelvis. This is an iconographic description of 3 patients treated for supralevator abscesses in our colorectal surgical unit., Main Outcome Measures: The virtual anatomical spaces map out a correct treatment., Results: We reproduced the origin of the different types of supralevator abscesses, as well as their locations and possible drainage pathways, and we determined the definitive treatment of secondary fistulas and their morbidity due to their incorrect drainage., Limitations: The limitations of this study are inherent to anatomical studies without real case intervention., Conclusions: A proper anatomical knowledge of the supralevator abscesses and surgical training by using cadaveric simulations could improve the diagnostic criteria, facilitate the correct decision on surgical drainage pathways, and, thus, decrease postoperative morbidity in patients with this disease.

Purpose: The superior right colic vein (SRCV) has been proposed as the main cause of superior mesenteric vein bleeding by avulsion during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Our objective is to identify the main vessel causing transverse mesocolic tension during the extraction of the surgical specimen or extracorporeal anastomosis and to perform an anatomical description of the SRCV., Methods: In this cadaveric study, we performed a simulation of right hemicolectomy and anatomical description of the surgical area of the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (SAGCTH), the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GCTH), and SRCV. The length of the exteriorization of the anastomotic transverse colon (ATC) was measured before and after sectioning the vascular vessel causing the exteriorization tension., Results: Five fresh cadavers and 12 formalin were dissected. In 100% of the specimens, the SRCV was present and drained in 95% into the GCTH and in 5% directly into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). In 100% of the specimens, the SRCV caused the tension when extracting the ATC. The mean length of exteriorization of the ATC before and after SRCV section was 7.2 and 10.4 cm in formalin cadavers, meaning a 44% of increment in the length of exteriorization. In fresh cadavers, the mean length of exteriorization increased to 2.7 cm, meaning a 28% of the initial length of exteriorization., Conclusions: The SRCV is the main cause of tension in the extraction of the surgical specimen after right hemicolectomy. Its high tie increases the length of the ATC exteriorization, in about 3 cm, and could reduce the risk of SMV bleeding during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and facilitate an extracorporeal anastomosis free of tension.

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.

Cystic retrorectal tumours are a very rare entity that pose a problem in differential diagnosis between congenital cyst and other lesions. We present a 49-year-old female patient presenting a perineal bulge which was discovered simulating a vaginal birth associated with prolapsed haemorrhoids grade IV. The interest of this case resides in the surgical indication of a big presacral cyst demonstrated via CT causing acute intense pain due to pelvic organ compression, as no emergent surgery management has been reported up to date., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)