Vascular relationships in right colectomy for cancer: clinical implications.
OBJECTIVE
The study aim was to provide data on pattern and length of crossing of the ileocolic artery (ICA) and right colic artery (RCA) with the superior mesenteric vein (SMV).


METHODS
Specimens from 30 fresh human cadavers underwent corrosion casting. Methylacrylate was injected into the SMV and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Length of crossing was measured with a scaleable ruler and copper wire. Values are mean (SD; range).


RESULTS
ICA was present in all specimens and crossed posterior to the SMV in 19 (63.33%) of 30 specimens. Length of crossing was 17.01 (7.84; 7.09-42.89) mm. RCA was present in 19 (63.33%) of 30 specimens. RCA crossed anterior to SMV in 16 (84.21%) of 19 specimens. Length of crossing was 20.63 (8.09; 6.3-35.7) mm.


CONCLUSIONS
ICA was always present, crossed posterior to SMV in 60% of specimens with a crossing length of 17 mm. RCA was present in 63% of specimens, crossed anterior to the SMV in 84% of specimens with a crossing length of 20 mm. Clinical implications include arterial length left behind with main nodes, arterial bleeding and safety of laparoscopic access.
Ignjatovic
D
D
Department of Research and Development, Forde Health System, Forde, Norway.
Sund
S
S
Stimec
B
B
Bergamaschi
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016319:Corrosion Casting; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008642:Mesenteric Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008875:Middle Aged