Assessing anatomical variations of the inferior mesenteric artery via three-dimensional CT angiography and laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a retrospective observational study.

To assess the anatomy of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and its branches by reviewing laparoscopic left-sided colorectal cancer surgery videos and comparing them with preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography, to verify the accuracy of 3D-CT vascular reconstruction techniques. High-definition surgical videos and preoperative imaging data of 200 patients who underwent laparoscopic left-sided colorectal cancer surgery were analysed, and the alignment of the IMA and its branches in relation to the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was observed and summarized. The above two methods were used to measure the length of the IMA and its branches. Of 200 patients, 47.0% had the sigmoid arteries (SAs) arise from the common trunk with the superior rectal artery (SRA), and 30.5% had the SAs arise from the common trunk with the left colic artery (LCA). In 3.5% of patients, the SAs arising from both the LCA and SRA. The LCA, SA, and SRA emanated from the same point in 13.5% of patients, and the LCA was absent in 5.5% of patients. The range of D cm (IMA length measured by intraoperative silk thread) and d cm (IMA length measured by 3D-CT vascular reconstruction) in all cases was 1.84-6.62 cm and 1.85-6.52 cm, respectively, and there was a significant difference between them. (p < 0.001). The lengths between the intersection of the LCA and IMV measured intraoperatively were 0.64-4.29 cm, 0.87-4.35 cm, 1.32-4.28 cm and 1.65-3.69 cm in types 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.994). There was only a significant difference in the length of the IMA between the 3D-CT vascular reconstruction and intraoperative observation data, which can provide guidance to surgeons in preoperative preparation.

Preserving the left colonic artery in radical sigmoid and rectal cancer surgery is feasible: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the safety and feasibility of preserving left colonic artery (LCA) in radical sigmoid and rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Relevant articles were systematically searched on the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the surgical outcomes and oncological outcomes by RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with a total of 5054 patients, including 2432 patients with LCA preservation and 2622 patients without LCA preservation, were included and analyzed in this study. The meta-analysis revealed that preserving LCA in radical surgery of sigmoid and rectal cancer has lower anastomotic leakage incidence (OR = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.83-1.27, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, postoperative complications as well as the oncological outcomes including systemic recurrence, local recurrence, 5-year overall survival rate, and 5-year disease-free survival rate. CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS: This pooled analysis showed that preserving the LCA is safe and feasible in radical sigmoid and rectal cancer surgery.

A nomogram for predicting lymph nodes metastasis at the inferior mesenteric artery in rectal cancer: a retrospective case-control study.

According to past and current literature, metastasis of the lymph nodes at the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA-LN), also known as 253LN of colorectal cancer has been seldom investigated. To date, there are still controversies on whether the 253LN need to be routinely cleaned. Using specific criteria, 347 patients who underwent radical resection for rectal cancer between April 2019 and July 2022 were selected for the study. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood that a patient may suffer 253LN metastasis, and a nomogram for 253LN metastasis subsequently developed. The c-index and calibration curve were used to evaluate precision and discrimination in the nomogram, and the appropriateness of the final nomogram for the clinical setting determined using decision curve analysis (DCA). 253LN metastases appeared in the pathological specimens of 29 (8.4%) of the selected patients. Logistic regression showed that preoperative parameters including serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) value ( > 5 ng / ml, OR = 2.894, P = 0.023), distance from anal margin (> 9 cm, OR = 2.406, P = 0.045) and degree of differentiation (poor, OR = 9.712, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 253LN metastasis. A nomogram to predict 253LN metastasis in rectal cancer was developed and showed considerable discrimination and good precision (c-index = 0.750). Furthermore, DCA confirmed that the nomogram has some feasibility for the clinical environment. Clinicopathological and radiological patient data can be pivotal for making surgical decisions relating to 253LN metastasis. A nomogram was developed using this data, providing an objective method that can significantly improve prognoses in colorectal cancer.

Open Management of an Asymptomatic 4.2 Cm Middle Colic Artery Aneurysm and Liteture Review.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the middle colic artery (MCAA) and its branches are exceedingly rare accounting for <3% of total visceral aneurysms. Very few MCAA cases have been reported in the literature with only three cases accounting for a diameter >4 cm. METHOD: We describe the successful open repair with ligation of a 4.2 cm asymptomatic MCAA in a female patient through the gastrohepatic ligament taking meticulous caution to avoid injury of the pancreas. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged from the hospital on the fifth postoperative day. At 1 month follow-up the postoperative computed tomographic angiography documented complete exclusion of the MCAA and absence of contrast agent in the sac both in the arterial and the venous phase. CONCLUSION: While the endovascular treatment is the first-line option for visceral aneurysms, the open approach is still reserved for certain cases of hostile anatomy, challenging location and large size. Our case highlights the irreplaceable role of open surgery and underlines the collaboration between surgical specialties.

Reducing aneurysm sac growth and secondary interventions following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair by preemptive coil embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries.

OBJECTIVE: Type II endoleak (EL-2) is the most common complication following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), leading to continued sac growth and potential rupture. In this study, we examined the association between patency of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and lumbar arteries (LAs) with respect to sac growth. The effect of preemptive embolization of the IMA and/or LAs on the need for secondary interventions for sac growth post-EVAR was also evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on consecutive patients who underwent EVAR for non-ruptured, infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) from January 2012 to December 2020. A select group of patients underwent preemptive embolization of the IMA and/or LA. Patients with any types I, III, or IV endoleaks were excluded. Patency of the IMA and LA on preoperative computed tomography angiogram (CTA) was evaluated on TeraRecon workstation. All secondary interventions to treat EL-2 were recorded. Sac growth was defined as centerline axial diameter increase of ≥5 mm on follow-up CTA. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients (mean age, 74 ± 8.5 years; 83.7% male) underwent EVAR. Ninety-nine patients had preemptive embolization of the IMA and/or LA. Mean follow-up of the cohort was 59.3 ± 30.5 months. Thirty-six patients (12%) demonstrated sac growth on follow-up; 12 of these (33.3%) had preemptive embolization. The median time until detection of sac growth was 28.8 months (interquartile range, 15.2-46.5 months), with a mean growth of 10.1 ± 6.4 mm. Sac growth was significantly associated with presence of EL-2: 27 of 36 (75%) with EL-2 vs 9 of 36 (25%) without EL-2 (P < .001). Patients with sac growth had a higher mean total number (2.6 ± 1.5) of patent lower LAs (L3, L4) compared with those without (2.0 ± 1.4; P = .03). Patency of L1, L2, and L3 LAs were not associated with sac growth. However, patency of at least one L4 LA was significantly associated with sac growth (14.8% vs 7.7%; P = .04). The highest incidence of sac growth (17.6%) was seen when both IMA and L4 LA were patent; significantly different from the lowest incidence (5.3%) when both were occluded preoperatively (P = .018). Preemptive coiling of the IMA and/or LA significantly reduced the need for post-EVAR secondary intervention for sac growth. Freedom from post-EVAR secondary intervention was achieved in 92 of 99 (92.9%) pre-EVAR coiled patients vs 163 of 201 (81.5%) patients who did not undergo pre-EVAR coiling (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive coil embolization of the IMA and LAs, especially L4 LA, reduces the need for secondary interventions for sac growth, potentially improving the long-term durability of EVAR.

High Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Left-Sided Colon and Rectal Cancer Resection: Rates of Success and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery, defined as ligation before the takeoff of the left colic artery, is often described as the gold standard in low left-sided colon and rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study is to quantify the rate of ligation at the described level at a single academic center. Additionally, we examined the relationship between level of ligation and cancer-related outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients ages 18 and over with low left-sided colon, rectal, and anal cancers undergoing surgical resection. Radiographic evidence of high ligation was defined as ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery before the takeoff of the left colic artery. Patients with and without radiographic evidence of high ligation on CT were compared. Secondary outcomes include lymph node yield and positivity, need for adjuvant therapy, and time from surgery to adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: 169 patients (54% male) were included in the study. 61.5% of operative reports described high ligation of the IMA. There was radiographic evidence of high ligation in 55.6% of total patients and in 70.2% of patients where high ligation was intended. There was no significant difference in surgeon experience, surgical procedure, or surgical approach. There was no difference in lymph node yield, time to adjuvant chemotherapy, or recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates good technical success rate of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery but shows no difference in short-term patient-measured outcomes between high and low ligation (or successful and unsuccessful high ligation).

Comparison of the short-term and long-term outcomes of three different types of inferior mesenteric artery ligation in left colonic and rectal cancers: a network meta-analysis.

To perform a network meta-analysis of the literature to assess the short-term and long-term outcomes of three operations for left colon and rectal cancer. Electronic literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases up to August 2022. A Bayesian network meta-analysis using R software, ADDIS, and Review Manager 5.4 was conducted to compare outcomes of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery(IMA),low ligation of the IMA with D2 dissection (LLD2), and low ligation of the IMA with D3 dissection (LLD3). Sensitivity analysis was applied to investigate the influence of each primary study on the final result of the meta-analysis. Asymmetry of data was estimated by using Egger's tests. Publication bias corrected by trimming and filling method. A total of 44 studies, 5 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 39 non-RCTs, were included in this meta-analysis. HL was associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (HL vs. LLD2, OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.13-3.25, P = 0.001; HL vs. LLD3, OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.35-2.01, P < 0.001), and required a longer postoperative hospital stay (HL vs. LLD3, SMD = 0.28, 95%CI 0.09-0.48, P = 0.01).However HL showed an advantage in terms of operation time(HL vs. LLD3, SMD = - 0.13, 95%CI - 0.26 to 0.01, P = 0.04). LLD3 is most likely to rank best in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes after surgery for left colon and rectal cancer. Caution should be taken in the risk of anastomotic leakage when treating colorectal cancer with LLD2. HL, LLD2 and LLD3 provide similar overall survival rates for left colon and rectal cancer.

Experiencia inicial en nuestro centro con la embolización preventiva de la arteria mesentérica inferior en el tratamiento endovascular de los aneurismas de aorta abdominal / Early experience with preventive embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery in the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Introducción: la endofuga de tipo II (EFT2) es la más frecuente tras la reparación endovascular de aneurismas de aorta abdominal (EVAR). Objetivos: analizar la presencia de endofugas de tipo II durante el seguimiento, la regresión del saco aneurismático, la tasa de reintervención debido a EFT2, el análisis de los resultados en nuestra serie de casos tratados con embolización de la AMI antes del implante de la endoprótesis aórtica como método útil para disminuir las EFT2 durante el seguimiento. Material y métodos: análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes tratados en nuestro centro con embolización de la AMI previa al EVAR en el periodo 2019-2021. Los criterios utilizados para la embolización de la AMI fueron: diámetro > 3 mm y AL con diámetro > 2 mm o aneurismas aortoilíacos. Se incluyeron 7 pacientes varones (edad media: 72,1 años). El 42 % presentaba aneurismas aortoilíacos. En dos casos se llevó a cabo la embolización de la AMI en un primer tiempo y posteriormente el EVAR; en los restantes se realizó en el mismo procedimiento. El diámetro medio de la AMI fue 5,02 ± 0,9 mm. Todos los pacientes presentaban, al menos, dos AL enfrentadas al origen de la AMI con un diámetro > 2 mm. Resultados: el éxito técnico fue del 100 %. La mediana de seguimiento, 20,7 meses. En los angio TAC al mes y a los 12 meses se objetivó una correcta embolización de la AMI. No hubo fugas de tipo II durante el seguimiento. En todos los casos se visualizó una disminución en el diámetro del saco aneurismático (mediana de regresión: 5,08 mm). No hubo reintervenciones relacionadas con la patología aórtica. Conclusiones: la embolización de la AMI previa al EVAR en pacientes con un diámetro > 3 mm y al menos dos AL con diámetro > 2 mm o aneurismas aortoilíacos parece proteger frente al desarrollo de EFT2 a los 12 meses, a la espera de poder confirmar los resultados a medio y largo plazo. Alto éxito técnico y aceptable regresión del saco aneurismático.(AU)

Introduction: type II endoleak (T2EL), through the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) or lumbar arteries (LA), is themost common endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Objectives: the primary endpoint was the presence of type II endoleak at follow-up. Secondary endpoints includedaneurysm sac regression and reoperation rate due to T2EL, as well as the analysis of the results in our series of casestreated with IMA embolization prior to the endovascular procedure as a useful method to reduce T2EL at follow-up. Material and methods: this was a retrospective analysis of patients treated at our unit with IMA embolizationprior to EVAR from 2019 through 2021. The criteria used for IMA embolization were IMA diameter > 3 mm, presenceof LA with a diameter > 2 mm, or aortoiliac aneurysms. A total of 7 male patients were included with a mean age of72.1 years. A total of 42 % had aortoiliac aneurysms. In 2 of the cases, IMA embolization was performed initiallyfollowed by EVAR while in the remaining cases it was performed within the same procedure. The mean diameterof IMA was 5.02 mm ± 0.9 mm. All patients had at least 2 LAs facing the origin of the IMA with a diameter > 2 mm.Results: technical success was 100 %. The median follow-up was 20.7 months. In the CCTA performed 1 monthand 12 months postoperatively, correct IMA embolization was observed. There were no type II leaks at follow-up.In all cases, a decrease in the diameter of the aneurysmal sac was observed with a mean regression of 5.08 mm. There were no subsequent reinterventions associated with aortic valve disease. Conclusions: IMA embolization prior to EVAR in patients with a diameters > 3 mm and the presence of at least2 ALs with diameters > 2 mm and/or aortoiliac aneurysms seems to protect against the development of T2EL at12 months, waiting to be able to confirm the results in the mid- and long-term...(AU)

Preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery VS ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in left colectomy: evaluation of functional outcomes-a prospective non-randomized controlled trial.

Vascular approach during elective laparoscopic left colectomy impacts post-operative outcomes. The aim of our study was to evaluate how different approaches impact positively defecatory, urinary and sexual functions and quality of life during elective laparoscopic left colectomy. A prospective non-randomized controlled trial at two tertiary center was conducted. All patients who underwent elective laparoscopic left colonic resection from January 2019 to July 2022 were analyzed. They were divided into two groups based on Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) preservation with distal ligation of sigmoid branches close to a colonic wall for complicated diverticular disease and IMA high tie ligation for oncological disease. Patients were asked to fulfil standardized, validated questionnaires to evaluate pre and post-operative defecatory, urinary and sexual functions and quality of life. Defecatory disorders were assessed by high-resolution anorectal manometry preoperatively and six months after surgery. A total of 122 patients were included in the study. The 62 patients with IMA preservation showed a lower incidence of defecatory disorders also confirmed by manometer data, minor incontinence and less lifestyle alteration than the 60 patients with IMA high tie ligation. No urinary disorders such as incomplete emptying, frequency, intermittence or urgency were highlighted after surgery in the IMA preservation group. Evidence of any sexual disorders remained controversial. The IMA-preserving vascular approach seems to be an effective strategy to prevent postoperative functional disorders. It is a safe and feasible technique especially for diverticular disease. New prospective randomized and highly probative studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness in specific clinical situations.

Inferior mesenteric artery ligation level in rectal cancer surgery: still no answer-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current scientific evidence regarding the impact of the level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation on post-operative and oncological outcomes in rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature up to 06 September 2022. Included were RCTs that compared patients who underwent high (HL) vs. anterior (LL) IMA ligation for resection of rectal cancer. The literature search was performed on Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science without any language restrictions. The primary endpoint was overall anastomotic leakage (AL). Secondary endpoints were oncological outcomes, intraoperative complications, urogenital functional outcomes, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs (1331 patients) were included. The overall rate of AL was lower in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.96). The overall number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (MD 0.93, 95% CI - 2.21 to 0.34). The number of lymph nodes harvested was assessed in 256 patients, and all had a laparoscopic procedure. The number of lymph nodes was higher when LL was associated with lymphadenectomy of the vascular root than when IMA was ligated at its origin, but there the difference was not statistically significant (MD - 0.37, 95% CI - 1.00 to 0.26). Overall survival at 5 years was slightly better in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05). Disease-free survival at 5 years was higher in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.04). CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence to support HL or LL according to results in terms of AL or oncologic outcome. Moreover, there is not enough evidence to determine the impact of the level of IMA ligation on functional outcomes. The level of IMA ligation should be chosen case by case based on expected functional and oncological outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of left colic artery preservation in laparoscopic anterior resection for lower rectal cancer.

Background: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of left colic artery (LCA) preservation in laparoscopic anterior resection with D3 lymphadenectomy for lower rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 117 patients with lower rectal cancer who received laparoscopic anterior resection were retrospectively analyzed. Results: No differences were detected in terms of the numbers of harvested lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes, the intraoperative and postoperative complications or the postoperative recurrence and survival rates between the two groups (p > 0.05), but the LCA preservation group showed a lower anastomotic leakage rate than the LCA nonpreservation group (2/49 vs 12/68). Conclusion: LCA preservation may help reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage without impairing surgical and oncological outcomes.

Persistent descending mesocolon as a vital risk factor for anastomotic failure and prolonged operative time for sigmoid colon and rectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic criteria and effect of persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) on sigmoid and rectal cancers (SRCs) remain controversial. This study aims to clarify PDM patients' radiological features and short-term surgical results. METHOD: From January 2020 to December 2021, radiological imaging data from 845 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyzed using multiplanar reconstruction (MRP) and maximum intensity projection (MIP). PDM is defined as the condition wherein the right margin of the descending colon is located medially to the left renal hilum. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize database bias. The anatomical features and surgical results of PDM patients were compared with those of non-PDM patients. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with PDM and 813 patients with non-PDM were enrolled into the study who underwent laparoscopic resection. After 1:4 matching, patients were stratified into PDM (n = 27) and non-PDM (n = 105) groups. The lengths from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) to the inferior mesenteric vein (1.6 cm vs. 2.5 cm, p = 0.001), IMA to marginal artery arch (2.7 cm vs. 8.4 cm, p = 0.001), and IMA to the colon (3.3 cm vs. 10.2 cm, p = 0.001) were significantly shorter in the PDM group than those in the non-PDM group. The conversion to open surgery (11.1% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.008), operative time (210 min vs. 163 min, p = 0.001), intraoperative blood loss (50 ml vs. 30 ml, p = 0.002), marginal arch injury (14.8% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.006), splenic flexure free (22.2% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.005), Hartmann procedure (18.5% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001) and anastomosis failure (18.5% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the PDM group. Moreover, PDM was an independent risk factor for prolonged operative time (OR = 3.205, p = 0.004) and anastomotic failure (OR = 7.601, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: PDM was an independent risk factor for prolonged operative time and anastomotic failure in SRCs surgery. Preoperative radiological evaluation using MRP and MIP can help surgeons better handle this rare congenital variant.

Effects of different inferior mesenteric artery ligation levels on the prognosis of patients with low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Regarding low rectal cancer (RC) low anterior resection (LAR), a specific consensus regarding the optimal level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation does not exist. OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate the effects of different IMA ligation methods on the prognosis of patients with low RC, so as to further guide clinical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2018, 158 patients with low RC underwent LAR. According to the IMA ligation method used, the cases were divided into the low-ligation group (LL group; n = 66) and the high-ligation group (HL group; n = 92). The basic information, operation indicators, postoperative data, and long-term survival in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: Sixty cases in the HL group and 60 cases in the LL group were successfully matched using propensity score matching (PSM). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative time, postoperative hospital stay, harvested lymph nodes (LNs), postoperative complications (including urinary retention, urinary incontinence, anastomotic leaks, bowel obstruction, incisional infection, and anal function 3 months after surgery), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence, and distant metastasis between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the HL group, the time to first flatus and the time to fluid intake were shorter in the LL group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In general, the different IMA ligation methods have no significantly different effects on the prognosis of patients with low RC, but the LL group showed restored intestinal motility earlier.