[Collateral circulation of the left colon: historic considerations and actual clinical significance].
BACKGROUND
The arterial communication between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries is important in surgery of the colon and aorta.


METHODS
The anastomosis between the median colic artery (ACM) and the superior colic artery (AMS) was studied on 52 cadavers (32 female, 20 male). The length of the artery was measured using a flexible scale, and its diameter was determined at three different locations (origin, middle, end).


RESULTS
The median lengths of the arteries were: 6.8 cm (range 3.9-9.7) for ACM, 12.2 cm (range 7-17.4) for ACS, and 23 cm (range 13.6-34.2) for margin artery. The median diameters were: 3.4 mm (range 2.7-4.1) for ACM, 3.1 mm (range 2.1-4.1) for ACS, and 2.7 mm (range 2-3.4) for margin artery. In 9.6% of the cadavers ( n=5), additional anastomoses between the AMS and inferior mesenteric arteries were proven. In 90.4% ( n=47), only margin arteries were found.


CONCLUSIONS
The low incidence of an additional communication (Riolan's arch) and possible additional impairment of the blood supply should be taken into account during operation.
Renner
K
K
Chirurgische Abteilung, Donauspital am SMZ-Ost, Vienna, Austria.
Ausch
C
C
Rosen
H R
HR
Perik
E
E
Hochwarter
G
G
Schiessel
R
R
Firbas
W
W
D000792:Angiography; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply*; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D017537:Mesenteric Artery, Inferior / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D012016:Reference Values