Low Ligation Of Inferior Mesenteric Artery Research Articles

High Versus Low Inferior Mesenteric Artery Ligation in Rectal Cancer Surgery. A Retrospective Analysis and Review of the Literature

High Versus Low Inferior Mesenteric Artery Ligation in Rectal Cancer Surgery. A Retrospective Analysis and Review of the Literature

Clinical impact of inferior mesenteric vein preservation during left hemicolectomy with low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery for distal transverse and descending colon cancers: A comparative study based on computed tomography.

PurposePresence of a long remnant sigmoid colon after left hemicolectomy with inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) ligation for distal transverse and descending colon cancers may be a risk factor for venous ischemia. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of IMV preservation in patients who underwent left hemicolectomy with inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) preservation.MethodsWe included 155 patients who underwent left hemicolectomy with IMA preservation for distal transverse and descending colon cancers from 2003 to 2020. Technical success of IMV preservation was determined by assessing pre- and post-operative patency of the IMV on computed tomography (CT) by an abdominal radiologist. Intestinal complications comprising ulceration, stricture, venous engorgement, and colitis in remnant colon were compared between the IMV preservation and ligation groups.ResultsIMV was preserved in 22 (14.2%) and ligated in 133 (85.8%) patients. Surgical time, postoperative recovery outcomes, and number of harvested lymph nodes were similar in both groups. The technical success of IMV preservation was 81.8%. Intestinal complications were less common in the preservation group than in the IMV ligation group (4.5% vs. 23.3%, P=0.048). The complications in the IMV ligation group were anastomotic ulcer (n=2), anastomotic stricture (n=4), venous engorgement of the remnant distal colon (n=4), and colitis in the distal colon (n=21).ConclusionsIMV preservation may be beneficial after left hemicolectomy with IMA preservation for distal transverse and descending colon cancers. We suggest that IMV preservation might be considered when long remnant sigmoid colon is expected during left hemicolectomy with low ligation of IMA.

Level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation does not affect rectal cancer treatment outcomes despite better cancer-specific survival after low ligation-randomized trial results.

In rectal cancer surgery, the problem about which of the mesenteric artery ligation variants (high or low) is more beneficial to the patient remains unsolved. Recent meta-analyses suggest that the risk of surgical complications is similar for both ligation variants. The main objective was to compare the survival time in both groups with a minimum 48months' follow-up. Secondary objectives were comparison of the number of harvested lymph nodes, the complication rate and other selected data related to the surgery. This was a randomized, single-centre, unblinded clinical trial of adult patients (n=130) with cT1-3M0/ycT0-3M0 rectal and rectosigmoid junction adenocarcinoma undergoing radical open surgery. The intervention level was inferior mesenteric artery ligation. The mean and median survival in the whole group was 45months, while in the survivor group it was 83 and 82months. The survival for 1-5years, overall survival and disease-free survival were similar in both groups. The cancer-specific survival time was longer in the low inferior mesenteric artery ligation group (P=0.005 for all and P=0.02 for pTNM Stage III patients) There were no differences in the incidence of anastomotic leakage and overall morbidity. The median number of lymph nodes located at the root of the inferior mesenteric artery was 1; the mean was 1.7. They were not metastatic in any case. The median total number of harvested nodes was similar in both groups. In radically treated adenocarcinoma of the rectum and the rectosigmoid junction, the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation below the left colic artery branch provides similar treatment results to inferior mesenteric artery ligation just below its branching from the aorta in relation to overall and disease-free survival, and the risk of complications. Low inferior mesenteric artery ligation results in better cancer-specific survival. The risk of metastases at the mesenteric nodes is negligible.

Outcomes of level of ligation of inferior mesenteric artery in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The level of ligation of theinferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is a critical factor that can influence outcomes. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare outcomes following high or low ligation of IMA. A systematic search was performed for relevant articles published between 2000 and 2020. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effects or random-effects models;31 studies were included. Results show significantly lower rates of anastomotic leak, postoperative morbidityand urinary dysfunction with low ligation compared with high ligation. Though recurrence rates were similar, 5-year overall survival was longer in the low ligation group. Low ligation of IMA decreases anastomotic leak rates and overall morbidity. Addition of IMA nodal clearance to low ligation appears to improve overall survival in colorectal cancer.

The New Concept of Physiological "Riolan's Arch" and the Reconstruction Mechanism of Pathological Riolan's Arch After High Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery by CT Angiography-Based Small Vessel Imaging.

BackgroundDue to the complexity of anatomical relationship between superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and left colic artery (LCA), there is no unified anatomical concept of “Riolan’s arch.” There is no consensus as to tie off the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) at its origin or just below the origin of the left colic artery during radical surgery of sigmoid colon and rectal cancers. The aim of the study is to investigate the anatomy of shortcut anastomotic branches (adjacent branches) of SMA at splenic flexure and to explore how the shortcut pathway (Riolan’s arch) was formed, as the compensation of anastomotic branches between MCA and LCA under pathological conditions and the reconstruction and the mechanism of pathological Riolan’s arch after high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery.MethodsBetween January 2018 and May 2020, patients with colorectal cancer who underwent CTA before surgery were enrolled in the study. The anatomy of shortcut anastomotic branch of SMA and LCA was investigated by volume rendering technique (VR) and maximum-intensity projection (MIP). GE’s small vessel extraction technology (selected VR) was used to directly display these shortcut anastomotic branches on a map and to establish their three-dimensional anatomical classification. Then, we used the axonometric drawing to make the model more exact. Next, combining with some cases of pathological Riolan’s arch and basing on hydrodynamic principle, we speculate the mechanism of collateral circulation. Finally, based on the retrospective study of high ligation cases and combined principles of fluid mechanics, we show how these shortcut anastomotic branches evolved into Riolan’s arch.ResultsWe report the classification of the ascending branch of LCA (which approaches the splenic flexure) and the left branch of MCA, display these shortcut anastomotic branches on a map, and establish their three-dimensional anatomical classification. We found that Riolan’s arch is a shortcut pathway for the compensation of anastomotic branches, between MCA and LCA under pathological conditions, and that the formation mechanism of shortcut path accords with the principle of hydrodynamics.ConclusionsOur results show the mechanism of pathological Riolan’s arch formation and provide new anatomic thinking for the battle between high and low ligation of IMA in colorectal cancer surgery.

Is Low Inferior Mesenteric Artery Ligation Worthwhile to Prevent Urinary and Sexual Dysfunction After Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer?

We studied the role of high or low inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) tie on defecatory, sexual and urinary dysfunctions in patients who underwent laparoscopic TME for early rectal cancer. Forty-six consecutive patients undergoing curative laparoscopic resection for pT2N0M0, rectal adenocarcinoma from February 2013 to March 2019 were enrolled into this prospective randomized open label parallel trial to have a laparoscopic TME with a high (Group 1) or low IMA ligation (Group 2). Demographic data and information on symptoms and comorbidity, intra- and post-operative outcomes and defecatory, sexual and urinary functions before and after surgery according to the validated International quality of life questionnaires. A significant difference in postoperative total score of FIQL scale, Jorge-Wexner incontinence score and Agachan-Wexner constipation score were observed between the high and low tie groups at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. ICIQ-UI short form, FSFI, and IIEF demonstrated at 1, 6 and 12 months, the scores were significantly higher for patients of Group 1 as compared to those of Group 2. A low IMA ligation permits a better fecal continence, less abdominal pain, and less genito-urinary and sexual dysfunctions in patients submitted to TME for rectal cancer.

High versus low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery during laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

Laparoscopic radical resection is standard treatment for resectable rectal cancer. However, whether high or low inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation should be performed remains controversial. This retrospective cohort study compared the advantages and disadvantages of low vs high IMA ligation in patients undergoing laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.Rectal cancer patients (n = 322) undergoing total mesorectal excision at our institution in 2010 to 17 were enrolled; 174 underwent high IMA ligation group and 148 low IMA ligation (LIMAL group). Baseline data on patients, operative indices, economic indices, pathology findings, perioperative complications, and survival in the 2 groups were analyzed retrospectively.The low IMA ligation group had significantly higher anus retention ratio (P = .022), shorter hospital stay (P = .025), lower medical expenses (P = .032), fewer cases of anastomotic leakage (P = .023) and anastomotic stricture (P < .001), and lower incidence of postoperative genitourinary dysfunction (P = .003). Cox regression analysis indicated that local recurrence, distant metastasis, tumor differentiation, and tumor-node-metastasis stage were independently associated with survival.Low ligation of the IMA during laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer appears to be associated with a lower risks for anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, and genitourinary dysfunction, a shorter hospital stay, and lower costs. In contrast, the rate of lymph node harvest, tumor recurrence rate, metastasis, or mortality was not found to be related with the level of IMA ligation.

Outcomes of high versus low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery with lymph node dissection for distal sigmoid colon or rectal cancer.

We compared the complication rates and oncologic and functional outcomes of high versus low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). We reviewed data retrospectively from 776 patients, divided into high and low IMA ligation groups. Low ligation was performed with lymph node dissection around the IMA root. Postoperative complications and oncologic and functional outcomes were analyzed. There were 613 patients in the high ligation group and 163 patients in the low ligation group. Most clinicopathological variables were similar. There were no significant differences in complication rates (25.1% vs. 28.8%; p = 0.336), anastomotic leakage (2.8% vs. 2.5%; p = 1.000), colonic ischemia (2.8% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.393), 5-year overall survival (79.6% vs. 81.3%; p = 0.137) or 5-year relapse-free survival (77.4% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.973) between the groups. In terms of functional outcomes, both techniques were equivalent. The International Prostate Symptom Score and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index were significantly better in the low ligation group 12months postoperatively than 3months postoperatively. The oncologic and functional outcomes, as well as postoperative complications, after low ligation of the IMA with lymph node dissection are not significantly different from those after high ligation of the IMA.

Low Ligation of Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Laparoscopic Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer Reduces Genitourinary Dysfunction: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial (HIGHLOW Trial).

The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence of genitourinary (GU) dysfunction after elective laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection and total mesorectal excision (LAR + TME) with high or low ligation (LL) of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Secondary aims included the incidence of anastomotic leakage and oncological outcomes. The criterion standard surgical approach for rectal cancer is LAR + TME. The level of artery ligation remains an issue related to functional outcome, anastomotic leak rate, and oncological adequacy. Retrospective studies failed to provide strong evidence in favor of one particular vascular approach and the specific impact on GU function is poorly understood. Between June 2014 and December 2016, patients who underwent elective laparoscopic LAR + TME in 6 Italian nonacademic hospitals were randomized to high ligation (HL) or LL of IMA after meeting the inclusion criteria. GU function was evaluated using a standardized survey and uroflowmetric examination. The trial was registered under the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02153801. A total of 214 patients were randomized to HL (n = 111) or LL (n = 103). GU function was impaired in both groups after surgery. LL group reported better continence and less obstructive urinary symptoms and improved quality of life at 9 months postoperative. Sexual function was better in the LL group compared to HL group at 9 months. Urinated volume, maximum urinary flow, and flow time were significantly (P < 0.05) in favor of the LL group at 1 and 9 months from surgery. The ultrasound measured post void residual volume and average urinary flow were significantly (P < 0.05) better in the LL group at 9 months postoperatively. Time of flow worsened in both groups at 9 months compared to baseline. There was no difference in anastomotic leak rate (8.1% HL vs 6.7% LL). There were no differences in terms of blood loss, surgical times, postoperative complications, and initial oncological outcomes between groups. LL of the IMA in LAR + TME results in better GU function preservation without affecting initial oncological outcomes. HL does not seem to increase the anastomotic leak rate.

Lymph node yield, survival benefit, and safety of high and low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in colorectal cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare high inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation (HL) with low IMA ligation (LL) for the treatment of colorectal cancer and to evaluate the lymph node yield, survival benefit, and safety of these surgeries. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were systematically searched for relevant articles that compared HL and LL for sigmoid or rectal cancer. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes and the weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous outcomes. In total, 30 studies were included in this analysis. There were significantly higher odds of anastomotic leakage and urethral dysfunction in patients treated with HL compared to those treated with LL (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.55; OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.39 to 4.33, respectively). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the total number of harvested lymph nodes, the number of harvested lymph nodes around root of the IMA, local recurrence rate, and operation time. Further, no statistically significant group differences in 5-year overall survival rates and 5-year disease-free survival rates were detected among all patients nor among subgroups of stage II patients and stage III patients, respectively. LL can achieve equivalent lymph node yield to HL, and both procedures have similar survival benefits. However, LL is associated with a lower incidence of leakage and urethral dysfunction. Thus, LL is recommended for colorectal cancer surgery.

Operative safety and oncologic outcomes in rectal cancer based on the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation: a stratified analysis of a large Korean cohort

PurposeTo compare high and low inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation in a large number of patients, and investigate the short-term and long-term outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study compared outcomes between high IMA ligation and low IMA ligation with dissection of lymph nodes (LNs) around the IMA origin. A total of 1,213 patients underwent elective low anterior resection with double-stapling anastomosis for stage I–III rectal cancer located ≥6 cm from the anal verge (835 patients underwent IMA ligation at the IMA origin; 378 patients underwent IMA ligation directly distal to the root of the left colic artery along with dissection of LNs around the IMA origin).ResultsThere was no difference in anastomotic leakage rate between groups. The 2 groups did not significantly differ in intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, total number of harvested LNs, and metastatic IMA LNs. However, more metastatic LNs were harvested in the high-tie than in the low-tie group (1.3 ± 2.9 vs. 0.8 ± 1.9, P = 0.002), and the incidence of positive pathologic nodal status was higher in the high-tie group (37.9% vs. 28.6%, P = 0.001). The 5-year local recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival rates were similar between groups, as were the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates.ConclusionLow IMA ligation with dissection of LNs around the IMA origin showed no differences in anastomotic leakage rate compared with high IMA ligation, without affecting oncologic outcomes. High IMA ligation did not seem to increase the number of total harvested LNs, whereas the ratio of metastatic apical LNs were similar between groups.

Randomized clinical trial of high versus low inferior mesenteric artery ligation during anterior resection for rectal cancer.

BackgroundThe optimal level for inferior mesenteric artery ligation during anterior resection for rectal cancer is controversial. The aim of this randomized trial was to clarify whether the inferior mesenteric artery should be tied at the origin (high tie) or distal to the left colic artery (low tie).MethodsPatients were allocated randomly to undergo either high‐ or low‐tie ligation and were stratified by surgical approach (open or laparoscopic). The primary outcome was the incidence of anastomotic leakage. Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, blood loss and 5‐year overall survival.ResultsSome 331 patients entered the trial between June 2006 and September 2012. The trial was stopped prematurely as recruitment was slow. Seven patients were excluded after randomization but before operation because of procedural changes. High tie and low tie were performed in 164 and 160 patients respectively. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was not significantly different (17·7 versus 16·3 per cent respectively; P = 0·731). The incidence of severe complications requiring intervention was 2·4 versus 5·0 per cent for high and low tie respectively (P = 0·222). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for anastomotic leakage included male sex (odds ratio 4·36, 95 per cent c.i. 1·56 to 12·18) and distance of the tumour from the anal verge (odds ratio 0·99, 0·98 to 1·00). At 5 years there were no significant differences in overall (87·2 versus 89·4 per cent respectively; P = 0·386) and disease‐free (76·3 versus 77·6 per cent; P = 0·765) survival.ConclusionThe level of ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery does not significantly influence the rate of anastomotic leakage. Registration number: NCT01861678 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Meta-analysis for high-risk factor of anastomotic leakage after anal-preserving surgery for rectal cancer

To systematically evaluate the effect of defunctioning stoma, preoperative radiotherapy, and level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation on the postoperative anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer by meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published before December 2017 regarding the effects of defunctioning stoma, preoperative radiotherapy, and level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation on the postoperative anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer were searched from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang database, meanwhile open data in unpublished trials from clinicaltrials.gov were retrieved. Associated data were screened according to standard and their quality was evaluated strictly. Review manager 5.3 software was used to perform meta-analysis with data. Random effect model based on DerSimonian and Laird method was applied. Heterogenicity among trials was estimated with Chi-square test. Twenty articles were included in the meta-analysis. The overall incidence of anastomotic leakage was 7.0%(488/7004). The incidence of anastomotic leakage in the defunctioning stoma group and non-defunctioning stoma group was 5.2%(24/459) and 17.3%(77/445) respectively. The incidence of anastomotic leakage in the radiotherapy group and non-radiotherapy group was 6.5%(188/2900) and 6.1%(179/2946) respectively. The incidences of anastomotic leakage in the low and high IMA ligation groups was 4.7%(6/129) and 11.2%(14/125) respectively. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence in defunctioning stoma group was significantly lower than that in non-defunctioning stoma group (RR:0.33, 95%CI:0.21-0.50, P<0.00001); the incidences between radiotherapy group and non-radiotherapy (RR:1.05, 95%CI: 0.80-1.38, P=0.72), and between low IMA ligation group and high IMA ligation group (RR:0.50, 95%CI:0.20-1.23, P=0.13) were not significantly different. Funnel figure drawn with RCTs about defunctioning stoma and preoperative radiotherapy revealed no significant publication bias existed within included studies. Defunctioning stoma can effectively prevent the occurrence of postoperative anastomotic leakage, whereas the preoperative radiotherapy and high IMA ligation may not increase the risk of anastomotic leakage.

Influences of inferior mesenteric artery types and Riolan artery arcade absence on the incidence of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer

To evaluate the influences of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) types and Riolan artery arcade absence on the incidence of anastomotic leakage(AL) after laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer. Clinical data of 116 local advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic resection in The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2012 to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. IMA and Riolan artery arcade were examined by preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) reconstruction. The influences of IMA type, Riolan artery arcade absence and ligation site (high or low) on AL were analyzed by Logistic regression. The proportion of IMA types(I(-IIII() was 57.8%(67/116), 10.3%(12/116), 31.0%(36/116) and 0.9%(1/116), respectively. Riolan artery arcade absence was found in 60.3%(70/116). Eight (6.9%) patients suffered from AL. IMA type III( had significantly higher AL incidence as compared to other IMA types [19.4%(7/36) vs. 1.2%(1/80), P=0.001]. Meanwhile, patients with Riolan artery arcade absence also had significantly higher AL incidence[11.4%(8/70) vs. 0.0%(0/46), P=0.030]. However, the difference in AL incidence between high and Low IMA ligation was not statistically significant [8.0%(7/87) vs. 3.4%(1/29), P=0.531]. Seven of these 8 AL patients were found in IMA type III( with Riolan artery arcade absence and high ligation. Multivariate analysis showed that IMA type III( (P=0.001) and Riolan artery arcade absence (P=0.002) were independent risk factors of AL. IMA type III( with Riolan artery arcade absence increases AL incidence significantly in laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer. IMA type and Riolan aretry arcade absence or not contribute to the selection of IMA ligation site in the operation. For the colorectal cancer patients with IMA type III( and Riolan artery arcade absence, selective low IMA ligation with root lymph node dissection should be recommended.

Preservation of left colic artery in laparoscopic radical operation for rectal cancer

To evaluate the clinical significance of low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and preservation of left colic artery in laparoscopic radical operation for rectal cancer. Clinical data of 103 rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical operation in Ruijin Hospital from May 2015 to January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 61 cases with preservation of left colic artery (low ligation group, LL group) and 42 cases without preservation of left colic artery (high ligation group, HL group). Clinical conditions during operation and after operation were compared between the two groups. All the patients underwent operation successfully without transferring to laparotomy, intra-operative or post-operative death, and severe intra-operative or anesthetic complications. Age, gender, BMI, ASA score, tumor size and tumor location were not significantly different between the two groups. Four cases(9.5%) in HL group presented ischemic changes in colonic stump during operation, receiving additional colonic resection and no such ischemic changes were found in LL group (P=0.025). The number of harvested lymph node was 16.1±6.8 in HL group and 15.5±7.2 in LL group, number of harvest lymph node in the root of IMA was 4.2±1.7 in HL group with positive rate of 9.5%(4/42) and 4.3±1.7 in LL group with positive rate of 4.9%(3/61), both were not significantly different between the two groups. Lower margin was (2.2±1.4) cm in LL group and (2.8±1.7) cm in HL group, and difference was not significant as well(all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of operation time, blood loss, post-operative complication, recovery of bowel movement and hospital stay. Median follow-up time was 4.5 months(2 to 10 months) and no long-term complications and local recurrence were found. Low ligation of IMA with preservation of left colic artery in laparoscopic radical operation for rectal cancer can provide better blood supply for proximal colon and anastomosis, and can achieve same radical clearance of lymph nodes as high ligation without prolonged operation time, which is worth clinical promotion.

Optimum level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation for the left-sided colorectal cancer

Objectives:To compares the effectiveness and impact of high inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) versus low IMA ligation on 5-year survival, lymph node yield rates, and peri-operative morbidity and mortality.Methods:The databases of Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC), the Web of Science, EBSCO and MEDLINE were searched using MeSH terms ‘colorectal cancer’, ‘inferior mesenteric artery’, ‘high ligation’, ‘low ligation’, ‘mesenteric lymph nodes’, ‘prognosis’, and ‘survival’. Only clinical studies were selected and review articles and meta-analysis were excluded. In cases of duplicate cohorts, only the latest article was included. Irrelevant articles and the articles on both right and left sided CRC were excluded. The finally selected studies were analysed for the defined end-point outcomes.Results:The published data has shown that high IMA ligation improves the yield of harvested lymph node that allows accurate tumor staging and a more reliable estimation of prognosis. High ligation was not found to be positively correlated with increased anastomotic leakage or impaired genito-urinary function. However, high ligation demands advanced surgical expertise and longer operating time. There was no significant difference in 5-year survival rates for both techniques. Some studies have reported fatal complications of high ligation such as proximal bowel necrosis.Conclusion:Although there is no consensus, this research signals the routine use of high ligation for left-sided CRC. However, the published fatal complications following high ligation and no significant difference in 5-year survival rates demand more studies to establishing a unified protocol.

Clinical possibility of low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery and lymph nodes dissection in laparoscopic low anterior resection

To investigate the clinical possibility of low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and lymph nodes dissection in laparoscopic low anterior resection. Data was collected retrospectively from 216 patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection in our hospital from June 2011 to January 2015.Patients were divided into control group (132 cases) and observation group (84 cases). The observation group was treated with low ligation of IMA and lymph nodes dissection, and the control group was cured by high ligation of IMA and lymph nodes dissection. We analyzed the operation time, the number of lymph nodes dissection, the number of lymph nodes removed around the root of IMA, the rate of lymph node metastasis around the root of IMA, the incidence of anastomotic leakage and the ventilation time after the operation. There was no significant difference between the two group in the pre-operative data, operation time, the number of lymph nodes dissection the number of lymph nodes removed around the root of IMA, the rate of lymph node metastasis around the root of IMA and the incidence of anastomotic leakage (P>0.05). The observation group were significantly better than the control group the in the ventilation time after the operation (P<0.05). The follow up time was 12 to 67 months. The median follow up time was 37 months. One patient in observation group died of cardiovascular disease. One patient in control group died of metastatic carcinoma. Detection of low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery and lymph nodes dissection in laparoscopic low anterior resection is safe and practicable, which should be widely applied.

Effect of ligation level of inferior mesenteric artery on postoperative defecation function in patients with rectal cancer

To investigate the effect of ligation level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) on postoperative defecation function in patients with rectal cancer. A total of 128 rectal cancer patients who were planned to undergo low anterior resection in the First Hospital of Zibo City between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into IMA high ligation group(63 cases, cutting distance of 1.0 to 1.5 cm to the root of IMA) and low ligation group(65 cases, cutting distance of 0.5 to 1.0 cm to the root of left colic artery originated from IMA). The efficacy, especially the defecation function, was observed and compared 3 months and 1 year after surgery between the two groups. No significant difference was found in the number of harvested lymph nodes between two groups[8(1-30) vs. 7(2-28), P=0.125], but high ligation group had greater number of metastatic lymph nodes[1(0-9) vs. 0(0-8), P=0.041]. Frequency of defecation in high ligation group was significantly higher than that in low ligation group during postoperative 3-month follow-up[5(2-10)/d vs. 3(1-8)/d, P=0.035], whereas other indexes of defecation function were not significantly different(all P>0.05). The proportion of patients needing laxatives in high ligation group was higher than that in low ligation group during postoperative 1-year follow-up [11.3%(6/53) vs. 1.7%(1/58), P=0.038], whereas other indexes of defecation function were not significantly different as well (all P>0.05). Three cases and 2 cases showed recurrence in high ligation group and low ligation group respectively during postoperative 1-year follow-up without significant difference(P=0.623). Low ligation of IMA in low anterior resection for rectal cancer is beneficial to the protection against defecation function.

"High or low Inferior Mesenteric Artery ligation in Laparoscopic low Anterior Resection: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial" (HIGHLOW trial).

BackgroundThe position of arterial ligation during laparoscopic anterior rectal resection with total mesorectal excision can affect genito-urinary function, bowel function, oncological outcomes, and the incidence of anastomotic leakage. Ligation to the inferior mesenteric artery at the origin or preservation of the left colic artery are both widely performed in rectal surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the incidence of genito-urinary dysfunction, anastomotic leak and oncological outcomes in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection with total mesorectal excision with high or low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in a controlled randomized trial.Methods/designThe HIGHLOW study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial in which patients are randomly assigned to high or low inferior mesenteric artery ligation during laparoscopic anterior rectal resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. Inclusion criteria are middle or low rectal cancer (0 to 12 cm from the anal verge), an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of I, II, or III, and a body mass index lower than 30. The primary end-point measure is the incidence of post-operative genito-urinary dysfunction. The secondary end-point measure is the incidence of anastomotic leakage in the two groups. A total of 200 patients (100 per arm) will reliably have 84.45 power in estimating a 20% difference in the incidence of genito-urinary dysfunctions. With a group size of 100 patients per arm it is possible to find a significant difference (α = 0.05, β = 0.1555). Allowing for an estimated dropout rate of 5%, the required sample size is 212 patients.DiscussionThe HIGHLOW trial is a randomized multicenter controlled trial that will provide evidence on the merits of the level of arterial ligation during laparoscopic anterior rectal resection with total mesorectal excision in terms of better preserved post-operative genito-urinary function.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02153801Protocol Registration Receipt 29/5/2014.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-014-0537-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lengthening of the colon for low rectal anastomosis in a cadaveric study: how much can we gain?

Lengthening of the colon for tension-free low rectal anastomosis comprises ligation of the inferior mesenteric vessels and splenic flexure mobilization. The aim of our study was to evaluate the length gained after each level of mesenteric vessel ligation with or without splenic flexure mobilization. The length of the colon after each mobilization technique, that is, low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), high ligation of IMA, high ligation of the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV), and mobilization of splenic flexure, was measured in 13 cadaveric specimens. After each step, the colon and vessels were placed back in their original position. The distance from the colosigmoid junction (CSJ) to the pubic symphysis (PS) was measured after each mobilization technique. The average elongation of the colon from original CSJ-PS distance to the CSJ-PS distance after low ligation of IMA, high ligation of IMA, high ligation of IMA plus splenic flexure mobilization, and high ligation of IMV was 2.08 ± 4.39 cm, 5.02 ± 5.51 cm, 8.20 ± 5.95 cm, and 17.98 ± 6.80 cm, respectively. The length of colon gained after IMV ligation was greater than the length obtained after low ligation of IMA, high ligation of IMA, and high ligation of IMA plus splenic flexure mobilization (p < 0.0001). This study shows the objective length gained following each standard surgical technique in colonic mobilization for low rectal anastomosis. The maximum length gained is after high ligation of IMV.