Laparoscopic Resection of Transverse Colon Cancer with an Anomaly of the Middle Colic Artery Originating from the Splenic Artery: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: We encountered a colon cancer case with a very rare anomaly of the middle colic artery (MCA) originating from the splenic artery (SA). Case Presentation: A woman was referred to our hospital for transverse colon cancer. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography showed an anomalous MCA originating from the SA rather than from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as is typical. Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection was performed. The lymph nodes around the SMA were dissected from the caudal view, confirming the absence of a typical MCA. An anomalous SA-originating MCA was identified just below the pancreas, where it was clipped and ligated; subsequently, total mesenteric excision was achieved. Conclusion: As D3 lymph node dissection for transverse colon cancer is technically difficult, 3D-CT angiography is useful for identifying vascular anomalies preoperatively, thereby avoiding intraoperative injury. This is the first case report of laparoscopic colectomy associated with a SA-originating MCA anomaly.