Role of CT Angiography With Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Mesenteric Vessels in Planning and Performing of Laparoscopic Colorectal Resections

We perform the Right Hemicolectomy (RH) with a 3 trocars technique. The procedure starts with the identification and sectioning of the ileocolic vessels at their origin. Next, is possible to divide the mesentery towards the terminal ileum, which was sectioned by laparoscopic linear stapler. The procedure continues with the incision of the Houston's ligament and the retroperitoneal dissection of the cecum and ascending colon up to the right flexure by pulling the terminal ileum upwards. During this maneuvers and eventually after the incision of the hepato-duodenocolic ligament, is possible to identify and cut the right colic vessels and, if necessary, the middle colic vessels and the Henle's venous branch.With the right colon and proximal transverse completely mobilized, it is possible to section the colon with a linear laparoscopic stapler and to create a 4-6 cm service incision to remove the specimen and perform an extracorporeal ileo-colic isoperistaltic mechanical anastomosis.

We routinely perform the Left Hemicolectomy (LH) with a 3 trocars technique eventually placing the 4th trocar in the left flank if needed. The procedure started with the division of the gastro-spleno-colic ligament and the subsequent mobilization of the left colic flexure. Then is possible to identify and section the inferior mesenteric vessels. Performing LH the Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) is usually tied immediately below the origin of the Left Colic Artery (LCA) while in presence of benign disease, to preserve the IMA, the dissection is performed along the course of the vessel, sectioning progressively the sigmoid arterial branches close to the colonic wall. When left colon is completely mobilized from the retroperitoneum along the avascular plane between the mesocolon and perirenal fat is possible to section the distal colon and finally perform a termino-terminal mechanical anastomosis.

We routinely perform the Anterior Rectal Resection (ARR) with a 3 trocars technique eventually placing the 4th trocar in the left flank if needed. The procedure started with the division of the gastro-spleno-colic ligament and the subsequent mobilization of the left colic flexure. Then is possible to identify and section the inferior mesenteric vessels. Performing ARR the Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) is usually tied at origin but in particular cases it can be tied immediately below the origin of the Left Colic Artery (LCA). When left colon and is completely mobilized from the retroperitoneum along the avascular plane between the mesocolon and perirenal fat is possible to perform a partial or total mesorectal excision. Usually a termino-terminal mechanical anastomosis is performed at the end of the procedure.