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

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.

Inferior Mesenteric Artery Ligation Level in Rectal Cancer Surgery beyond Conventions: A Review

Within the intricate field of rectal cancer surgery, the contentious debate over the optimal level of ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) persists as an ongoing discussion, influencing surgical approaches and patient outcomes. This narrative review incorporates historical perspectives, technical considerations, and functional as well as oncological outcomes, addressing key questions related to anastomotic leakage risks, genitourinary function, and oncological concerns, providing a more critical understanding of the well-known inconclusive evidence. Beyond the dichotomy of high versus low tie, it navigates the complexities of colorectal cancer surgery with a fresh perspective, posing a transformative question: "Is low tie ligation truly reproducible?" Considering a multidimensional approach that enhances patient outcomes by integrating the surgeon, patient, technique, and technology, instead of a rigid and categorical statement, we argued that a balanced response to this challenging question may require compromise.