Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation using a right colon rotation technique (flip-flap method).

Abstract

Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation is technically challenging, and a standardized procedure is needed to minimize technical hazards. As a first step, the hepatic flexure is mobilized from the duodenum, and the third part of the duodenum and pancreatic head was exposed. Next, the ileocecal vessels are divided at the root using a medial-to-lateral approach, and the cecum is separated from the retroperitoneal space. This process completes the mobilization of the right colon. In the second step, the omental bursa is opened, and the inferior border of the pancreas is exposed. The mobilized right colon is turned around to the left of the superior mesenteric vein, continuing to separate the mesentery from right to left side, and the right colic vessels are divided at the roots. The inverted right colon is restored to its original position, and the mesenteric fat is dissected along the left edge of the superior mesenteric artery to the inferior border of the pancreas. A total of 57 consecutive patients with advanced hepatic flexure colon cancer (n = 24) and transverse colon cancer (n = 33) underwent S-ERHC. The conversion rate to open surgery was 5.3%. Operative time, blood loss, and number of harvested lymph nodes were 232 min (interquartile range [IQR], 184-277 min), 5 mL (IQR, 5-66 mL), and 30 (IQR, 22-38), respectively. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the grade ≥ 2 complication rate was 10.5%. Median duration of hospitalization was 9 days (IQR, 7-13 days). Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy using a right colon rotation technique is safe, feasible, and useful. This technique of repeating the inversion and restoration of the right colon may help avoid bleeding and damage to other organs and facilitate reliable lymph node dissection.