Location of the transverse colon in relationship to the umbilicus: implications for laparoscopic techniques.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the location of the transverse colon in relationship to the umbilicus, and determine if it varies as a function of patient height or weight.


METHODS
Retrospective review of computed tomograms (CT) of the abdomen (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Sixty-seven women with normal abdominal anatomy.


METHODS
Review of abdominal CT scans.


RESULTS
The relative relationships of the transverse colon and umbilicus were compared with age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI = kg/m2) using multiple regression analysis. Average location of the superior margin of the transverse colon was 4.6 cm (95% CI 3.5-5.7 cm) above the umbilicus. In nine (13%) women it was below the umbilicus. The colon was below the umbilicus in 25% of nonobese women (BMI <25 kg/m2).


CONCLUSIONS
Because the transverse colon lies below the umbilicus in more than 10% of women, injury to it may be an uncommon yet unavoidable complication of laparoscopy.
Chee
S S
SS
Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
Godfrey
C D
CD
Hurteau
J A
JA
Schilder
J M
JM
Rothenberg
J M
JM
Hurd
W W
WW
D003106:Colon / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging