Variaciones anatómicas en la vascularización del colon derecho y su implicancia en la escisión completa del mesocolon con linfadenectomía D3. Estudio de corte transversal / Anatomical variations in right colon vascularization: its implication in complete mesocolic excision with D3 lymphadenectomy. A cross-sectional study

Introducción: La escisión completa del mesocolon con linfadenectomía D3 (CME-D3) mejora los resultados de los pacientes operados por cáncer del colon. Reconocer adecuadamente la anatomía vascular es fundamental para evitar complicaciones. Objetivo: El objetivo primario fue determinar la prevalencia de las variaciones anatómicas de la arteria mesentérica superior (AMS) y sus ramas en relación a la vena mesentérica superior (VMS). El objetivo secundario fue evaluar la asociación entre las distintas variantes anatómicas y el sexo y la etnia de lo pacientes. Diseño: Estudio de corte transversal. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 225 pacientes con cáncer del colon derecho diagnosticados entre enero 2017 y diciembre de 2020. Dos radiólogos independientes describieron la anatomía vascular observada en las tomografías computadas. Según la relación de las ramas de la AMS con la VMS, la población fue dividida en 2 grupos y subdividida en 6 (1a-c, 2a-c). Resultados: La arteria ileocólica fue constante, transcurriendo en el 58,7% de los casos por la cara posterior de la VMS. La arteria cólica derecha, presente en el 39,6% de los pacientes, cruzó la VMS por su cara anterior en el 95,5% de los casos. La variante de subgrupo más frecuente fue la 2a seguida por la 1a (36,4 y 24%, respectivamente). No se encontró asociación entre las variantes anatómicas y el sexo u origen étnico. Conclusión: Las variaciones anatómicas de la AMS y sus ramas son frecuentes y no presentan un patrón predominante. No hubo asociación entre las mismas y el sexo u origen étnico en nuestra cohorte. El reconocimiento preoperatorio de estas variantes mediante angiotomografía resulta útil para evitar lesiones vasculares durante la CME-D3. (AU)

Background: Complete mesocolic excision with D3 lymphadenectomy (CME-D3) improves the outcomes of patients operated on for colon cancer. Proper recognition of vascular anatomy is essential to avoid complications. Aim: Primary outcome was to determine the prevalence of anatomical variations of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and its branches in relation to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Secondary outcome was to evaluate the association between these anatomical variations and sex and ethnicity of the patients. Design: Cross-sectional study. Material and methods: Two hundred twenty-fivepatients with right colon cancer diagnosed between January 2017 and December 2020 were included. Two independent radiologists described the vascular anatomy of computed tomography scans. The population was divided into 2 groups and subdivided into 6 groups (1a-c, 2a-c), according to the relationship of the SMA and its branches with the SMV. Results: The ileocolic artery was constant, crossing the SMV posteriorly in 58.7% of the cases. The right colic artery, present in 39.6% of the patients, crossed the SMV on its anterior aspect in 95.5% of the cases. The most frequent subgroup variant was 2a followed by 1a (36.4 and 24%, respectively). No association was found between anatomical variants and gender or ethnic origin. Conclusions: The anatomical variations of the SMA and its branches are common, with no predominant pattern. There was no association between anatomical variations and gender or ethnic origin in our cohort. Preoperative evaluation of these variations by computed tomography angi-ography is useful to avoid vascular injuries during CME-D3. (AU)

Anatomical classification of and laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer with persistent descending mesocolon / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate anatomical morphology and classification of persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) in patients with left-sided colorectal cancer, as well as the safety of laparoscopic radical surgery for these patients. Methods: This is a descriptive study of case series. Relevant clinical data of 995 patients with left colon and rectal cancer who had undergone radical surgery in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from July 2021 to September 2022 were extracted from the colorectal surgery database of our institution and retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four (2.4%) were identified as PDM and their imaging data and intra-operative videos were reviewed. We determined the distribution and morphology of the descending colon and mesocolon, and evaluated the feasibility and complications of laparoscopic surgery. We classified PDM according to its anatomical characteristics as follows: Type 0: PDM combined with malrotation of the midgut or persistent ascending mesocolon; Type 1: unfixed mesocolon at the junction between transverse and descending colon; Type 2: PDM with descending colon shifted medially (Type 2A) or to the right side (Type 2B) of the abdominal aorta at the level of the origin of the inferior mesentery artery (IMA); and Type 3: the mesocolon of the descending-sigmoid junction unfixed and the descending colon shifted medially and caudally to the origin of IMA. Results: The diagnosis of PDM was determined based on preoperative imaging findings in 9 of the 24 patients (37.5%) with left-sided colorectal cancer, while the remaining diagnoses were made during intraoperative assessment. Among 24 patients, 22 were male and 2 were female. The mean age was (63±9) years. We classified PDM as follows: Type 0 accounted for 4.2% (1/24); Type 1 for 8.3% (2/24); Types 2A and 2B for 37.5% (9/24) and 25.0% (6/24), respectively; and Type 3 accounted for 25.0% (6/24). All patients with PDM had adhesions of the mesocolon that required adhesiolysis. Additionally, 20 (83.3%) of them had adhesions between the mesentery of the ileum and colon. Twelve patients (50.0%) required mobilization of the splenic flexure. The inferior mesenteric artery branches had a common trunk in 14 patients (58.3%). Twenty-four patients underwent D3 surgery without conversion to laparotomy; the origin of the IMA being preserved in 22 (91.7%) of them. Proximal colon ischemia occurred intraoperatively in two patients (8.3%) who had undergone high ligation at the origin of the IMA. One of these patients had a juxta-anal low rectal cancer and underwent intersphincteric abdominoperineal resection because of poor preoperative anal function. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy was considered necessary for the other patient. The duration of surgery was (260±100) minutes and the median estimated blood loss was 50 (20-200) mL. The median number of No. 253 lymph nodes harvested was 3 (0-20), and one patient (4.2%) had No.253 nodal metastases. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 (4-23) days, and the incidence of complications 16.7% (4/24). There were no instances of postoperative colon ischemia or necrosis observed. One patient (4.2%) with stage IIA rectal cancer developed Grade B (Clavien-Dindo III) anastomotic leak and underwent elective ileostomy. The other complications were Grade I-II. Conclusions: PDM is frequently associated with mesenteric adhesions. Our proposed classification can assist surgeons in identifying the descending colon and mesocolon during adhesion lysis in laparoscopic surgery. It is crucial to protect the colorectal blood supply at the resection margin to minimize the need for unplanned extended colectomy, the Hartmann procedure, or permanent stomas.

Membrane anatomy in right colon cancer: definition and identification of mesocolic completeness / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) and D3 resection of right colon cancer have been widely implemented, but the definition and identification of the completeness of the mesentery have not been fully agreed, especially the dorsal and medial borders. In this paper, we proposed the dorsal fascia of the colonic mesentery as the dorsal border of the mesocolon and the line connecting the roots of the ileocolic artery and the middle colic artery (ICA-MCA line) as the medial border of the CME by systematically studying the relationship between the mesentery and the mesenteric bed from the theory of membrane anatomy, combined with surgical experience and in-depth review of ontogenetic anatomy. We also proposed the visible "superior mesenteric vein notch" and "middle colic artery triangle" on surgical specimens as identifiers of mesocolic completeness.

A decade's review for membrane anatomy: the setting,events in it, order formed by primary fascia and serous membrane / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The successful report of total mesorectal excision (TME)/complete mesocolic excision (CME) has encouraged people to apply this concept beyond colorectal surgery. However, the negative results of the JCOG1001 trial denied the effect of complete resection of the "mesogastrium" including the greater omentum on the oncological survival of gastric cancer patients. People even believe that the mesentery is unique in the intestine, because they have a vague understanding of the structure of the mesentery. The discovery of proximal segment of the dorsal mesogastrium (PSDM) proved that the greater omentum is not the mesogastrium, and further revised the structure (definition) of the mesentery and revealed its container characteristics, i.e. the mesentery is an envelope-like structure, which is formed by the primary fascia (and serosa) that enclose the tissue/organ/system and its feeding structures, leading to and suspended on the posterior wall of the body. Breakdown of this structure leads to the simultaneous reduction of surgical and oncological effects of surgery. People quickly realized the universality of this structure and causality which cannot be matched by the existing theories of organ anatomy and vascular anatomy, so a new theory and surgical map- membrane anatomy began to form, which led to radical surgery upgraded from histological en bloc resection to anatomic en bloc resection.

A new insights of mesorectum / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Total mesorectal excision (TME) represents the gold standard for radical resection in rectal cancer. The development in radiology and laparoscopic surgical equipment and the advancement in technology have led to a deepened understanding of the mesorectum and its surrounding structures. Both the accuracy of preoperative staging and the preciseness of the planes of TME surgical dissection have been enhanced. The postoperative local recurrence rate is reduced and the long-term survival of rectal cancer patients is improved. The preservation of the pelvic autonomic nervous system maintains the patient's urinary and sexual functions to the greatest extent possible, which in turn improves the patient's postoperative quality of life. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the mesorectum and its surrounding structures is a prerequisite for successful TME. Herein, we review the basic concepts and the anatomy of the mesorectum in the current literature. Some important clinical issues are also discussed systematically in terms of imaging, surgery, and pathology.

Medial border of D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The extent of D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer, especially the medial border of central lymph node dissection remains controversial. D3 lymphadenectomy and complete mesocolon excision (CME) are two standard procedures for locally advanced right colon carcinoma. D3 lymphadenectomy determines the medial border according to the distribution of the lymph nodes. The mainstream medial border should be the left side of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) according to the definition of D3, but there are also some reports that regards the left side of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as the medial border. In contrast, the CME procedure emphasizes the beginning of the colonic mesentery and the left side of SMA should be considered as the medial border. Combined with the anatomical basis, oncological efficacy and technical feasibility of D3 lymph node dissection, we think that it is safe and feasible to take the left side of SMA as the medial boundary of D3 lymph node dissection. This procedure not only takes into account the integrity of mesangial and regional lymph node dissection, but also dissects more distant lymph nodes at risk of metastasis. It has its anatomical basis and potential oncological advantages. However, at present, this technical concept is still in the exploratory stage in practice, and the related clinical evidence is not sufficient.

Anatomical observation of the right retroperitoneal fascia and its clinical significance in complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the anatomic characteristics of the right retroperitoneal fascia and its surgical implementation while performing complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right colon cancer. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out. (1) Clinicopathological data and surgical videos of 17 non-consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (extended right hemicolectomy) with CME for right colon cancer at Department of Colorectal Surgery of Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University between January 2020 and October 2020 were retrospectively collected. The construction of right retroperitoneal fascia was observed from caudal dorsal direction and caudal ventral direction. (2) Three postoperative specimens from 3 cases undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME for right colon cancer in June 2020 were prospectively included to observe anatomy and examine histology. (3) Five abdominal cadaver specimens from the Department of Anatomy of Fujian Medical University were enrolled, including 3 males and 2 females. Anatomical observation and histological studies were performed from the cranial approach and the caudal dorsal approach. Masson staining was used to examine the histology. Results: (1) Surgical video observation: The typical structure of right retroperitoneal fascia could be observed in all the 17 patients. The fascia was a rigid barrier between the posterior space of the ascending colon and the anterior pancreaticoduodenal space behind the transverse colon. The right retroperitoneal fascia should be sharply cut to communicate between the two spaces to avoid entering the right mesocolon by mistake. The severed ventral stump of the right retroperitoneal fascia ran along the dorsal side of the right hemicolon to the lateral side, and the dorsal stump covered the level of the duodenum caudally, and continued to move downward, covering the surface of Gerota's fascia. (2) Observation of 3 surgical specimens: The dorsal side of the right mesocolon was smooth and intact, which could be anchored in the corresponding area of the lateral edge of the duodenum. The ventral stump of the right retroperitoneal fascia could be seen, which attached to the dorsal side of the right mesocolon semi-circularly. Masson staining observation: The ventral stump of the right retroperitoneal fascia ran cephalad, fused with the dorsal side of the right mesocolon tightly and curled. The caudal side of confluence and the dorsal side of the right mesocolon presented a bilobed structure. (3) Anatomy of 5 cadaveric specimens: The right retroperitoneal fascia was a thin fascia structure, which was a rigid barrier between the anterior pancreaticoduodenal space behind the transverse colon and the posterior space of the ascending colon. The ventral stump of the right retroperitoneal fascia (including the dorsal side of the right mesocolon), the dorsal stump of the right retroperitoneal fascia (including part of the duodenal wall) and the dorsal side of the right mesocolon were retrieved for histological examination. The ventral stump of the right retroperitoneal fascia fused with the dorsal side of the right mesocolon by the cephalic side, and the dorsal side of the right hemi-mesocolon on the fusion level by caudal side gradually separated into a double-layer loose fascial structure. The dorsal stump of the right retroperitoneal fascia covered the surface of the duodenum level, moved on from the ventral side to the surface of the prerenal fascia, and continued to the caudal side. Conclusions: The right retroperitoneal fascia is a rigid barrier between the anterior pancreaticoduodenal space behind the transverse colon and the posterior space of the ascending colon. The Toldt fascia formed by fusion with the dorsal lobe of the right colon travels to the edge of the descending and horizontal part of the duodenum and separates again. The right retroperitoneal fascia is attached to the edge of the duodenum, reversing and running on the surface of the prerenal fascia, while the dorsal lobe of the right colon runs in front of the pancreas and duodenum, and shifts to the pancreaticoduodenal fascia. During the operation, this fascia should be identified and cut to penetrate the anterior pancreaticoduodenal space behind the transverse colon and the posterior ascending colon space, which helps to ensure the integrity of the dorsal side of the right hemi-mesocolon.

Radical surgery for colon cancer guided by membrane anatomy theory / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Like other solid tumors, colon cancer surgery has undergone a century-old journey from lumpectomy to organ resection and then to lymphadenectomy. From the Toldt fascia to complete mesenteric resection, and from local resection to D3 radical treatment, local recurrence rates have been reduced, but remain a nuisance to surgeons and patients. Based on the theory of membrane anatomy, radical surgery for colon cancer will focus more on removing the mesocolon from the mesentery bed while maintaining the integrity of the posterior fascia to avoid the occurrence of "fifth metastasis" as much as possible. Thanks to the membrane anatomy theory, its strong reproducibility and replicability, a new phase of colorectal surgery is on the horizon.

Risk factors and prevention measures of anastomotic leak after right hemicolectomy for cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The incidence of anastomotic leak after right hemicolectomy for cancer is relatively low, but it may be misjudged. In recent years, the results of some multi-center or nationwide registration studies in Europe have shown that the incidence of anastomotic leak is significantly higher than that of eastern countries. The reasons of these differences may be the different nature of the studies, the lack of rigor in diagnostic criteria or diagnostic methods, the difference in the level of specialization of hospitals or surgeons, and so on. Timely treatment of preoperative comorbidities, reasonable selection of preoperative bowel preparation and anastomotic technique/method might reduce the occurrence of anastomotic leak. The current evidence shows complete mesocolic excision (CME) does not increase the risk of anastomotic leak. The clinical features of ileo-colic anastomotic leak are different from those of rectal surgery. The mild cases can be treated conservatively, and the severe cases are suggested to receive timely diverting ileostomy.

Similarities and differences between D3 lymphadenectomy and complete mesocolic excision of right hemicolonectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

D3 lymphadenectomy and complete mesocolic excision (CME) for colon cancer, which have been introduced to China for more than 10 years, are two major surgical principles worldwide. However, there are still many different opinions and misunderstandings about the core principles of D3 and CME, especially the similarities and differences between them. However, few articles have been published to discuss these issues specifically. Domestic scholars' understandings about D3 lymphadenectomy and CME for right hemicolectomy are quite different. Two different concepts including "D3/CME" and "D3+CME" have become mainstream views. The former equate D3 with CME and the latter seems to regard them as totally different principles. There is no consensus on which one is more reasonable. Therefore, this article aims to discuss the similarities and differences between D3 and CME for right hemicolectomy in perspectives of the theoretical background, surgical principles, extent of surgery and oncological outcomes. We believed that D3 and CME do not belong to the same concept, and that the scope of CME surgery for right-sided colon cancer is greater than and includes the scope of D3 surgery, and that D3 and CME are not complementary.

Intraoperative anatomical observation of mesentery morphology of colonic splenic flexure / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: At present, surgeons do not know enough about the mesenteric morphology of the colonic splenic flexure, resulting in many problems in the complete mesenteric resection of cancer around the splenic flexure. In this study, the morphology of the mesentery during the mobilization of the colonic splenic flexure was continuously observed in vivo, and from the embryological point of view, the unique mesenteric morphology of the colonic splenic flexure was reconstructed in three dimensions to help surgeons further understand the mesangial structure of the region. Methods: A total of 9 patients with left colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical resection with splenic flexure mobilization by the same group of surgeons in Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2018 to June 2019 were enrolled. The splenic flexure was mobilized using a "three-way approach" strategy based on a middle-lateral approach. During the process of splenic flexure mobilization, the morphology of the transverse mesocolon and descending mesocolon were observed and reconstructed from the embryological point of view. The lower margin of the pancreas was set as the axis, and 4 pictures for each patient (section 1-section 4) were taken during middle-lateral mobilization. Results: The median operation time of the splenic flexure mobilization procedure was 31 (12-55) minutes, and the median bleeding volume was 5 (2-30) ml. One patient suffered from lower splenic vessel injury during the operation and the bleeding was stopped successfully after hemostasis with an ultrasound scalpel. The transverse mesocolon root was observed in all 9 (100%) patients, locating under pancreas, whose inner side was more obvious and tough, and the structure gradually disappeared in the tail of the pancreatic body, replaced by smooth inter-transitional mesocolon and dorsal lobes of the descending colon. The mesenteric morphology of the splenic flexure was reconstructed by intraoperative observation. The transverse mesocolon was continuous with a fan-shaped descending mesocolon. During the embryonic stage, the medial part (section 1-section 2) of the transverse mesocolon and the descending mesocolon were pulled and folded by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Then, the transverse mesocolon root was formed by compression of the pancreas on the folding area of the transverse mesocolon and the descending mesocolon. The lateral side of the transverse mesocolon root (section 3-section 4) was distant from the mechanical traction of the SMA, and the corresponding folding area was not compressed by the tail of the pancreas. The posterior mesangial lobe of the transverse mesocolon and the descending mesocolon were continuous with each other, forming a smooth lobe. This smooth lobe laid flat on the corresponding membrane bed composed of the tail of pancreas, Gerota's fascia and inferior pole of the spleen. Conclusions: From an embryological point of view, this study reconstructs the mesenteric morphology of the splenic flexure and proposes a transverse mesocolon root structure that can be observed consistently intraopertively. Cutting the transverse mesocolon root at the level of Gerota's fascia can ensure the complete resection of the mesentery of the transverse colon.

Is total mesocolon excision necessary? A systematic review / Excisão total do mesocolon é necessário? Uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Complete mesocolon excision is an alternative in the treatment of neoplasias. The open technique was initially described for the procedure; however, it has some limitations. In this scenario, videolaparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative; however, its use in complete mesocolon excision is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the results of videolaparoscopic complete mesocolon excision. A systematic review of the literature was performed for this study. Nine articles were selected, comprising 860 patients. The surgical results demonstrate the quality of the videolaparoscopic technique, which presents low morbidity and mortality and high survival rates after five years. Videolaparoscopy is a safe and effective method for complete mesocolon excision.

RESUMO A excisão completa do mesocolon constitui-se como alternativa para o tratamento de neoplasias. A técnica aberta foi descrita inicialmente para a realização do procedimento, no entanto apresenta algumas limitações. Nesse cenário a cirurgia por videolaparoscopia apresenta-se como alternativa minimamente invasiva, no entanto sua empregabilidade para a excisão completa do mesocolon é motivo de controvérsia. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar os resultados oriundos da cirurgia por videolaparoscopia aplicada à excisão completa do mesocolon. A revisão sistemática da literatura foi utilizada para a realização deste estudo. Nove artigos científicos foram selecionados, compreendendo 860 pacientes. Os resultados cirúrgicos demonstram a qualidade da técnica por videolaparoscopia, que apresenta baixa morbidade e mortalidade e com altas taxas de sobrevivência após cinco anos. A videolaparoscopia aplicada à excisão completa do mesocolon apresenta qualidade que possibilita a realização da excisão completa do mesocolon de forma segura e eficaz.

Robotic transmesocolonic Pyelolithotomy of horseshoe kidney

Introduction The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the use of the robot to perform a transmesocolonic pyelolithotomy of a horseshoe kidney. Materials and Methods A 35-year old female presented with vague abdominal pain. CT scan imaging revealed the presence of a left horseshoe kidney with multiple pelvicalyceal stones. The patient was positioned in the supine position. A total of 4 ports were introduced. A 3-arm da Vinci robotic surgical system was docked, and the arms were connected. First, the dilated renal pelvis was identified behind the thin mesocolon. The mesocolon was entered and renal pelvis was dissected completely from the surrounding fat. Then, the renal pelvis was opened after adequate dissection and stones were visualized inside the calyces. By Prograsp forceps, stones were removed from all the calyces under vision and were extracted from the assistant trocar. Finally, the pylotomy incision was closed using 4 0 Maxon in a continuous fashion and the mesocolon was closed using 3 0 PDS interrupted sutures. A JP drain was placed. Result Operative time was forty-five minutes, blood loss was 100 ml. The patient was discharged after 48 hours with no immediate complications. Conclusion The utilization of minimal invasive surgery using the robot to extract multiple pelvicalyceal stones from a horseshoe kidney without reflecting the mesocolon proved to be a feasible and novel way in the management of complex stone disease improving the outcome with minimal morbidity. .

Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision in a Rectal Cancer Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis

Situs inversus totalis is a rare anomaly in which the abdominal and thoracic cavity structures are opposite their usual positions. A 41-yr-old woman, who had an ulcerating cancer on the rectum, was found as a case of situs inversus totalis. We present an overview of the operative technique for the first documented laparoscopic total mesorectal excision of a rectal cancer in the patient with situs inversus totalis. Careful consideration of the mirror-image anatomy permitted a safe operation using techniques not otherwise different from those used for the general population. Therefore, curative laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in this patient is feasible and safe.

Mesocolonitis retractil: fisiopatología y complicaciones / Retractile mesocolonitis: pathophisiology and complications

El mesenterio y el mesocolon son estructuras que sustentan al intestino delgado y colon respectivamente; la fibrosis cicatricial que las puede afectar son la mesenteritis rectráctil y la mesocolonitis retráctil. No es infrecuente observarlas en los pacientes del medio rural del altiplano, cuando son intervenidos quirúrgicamente. La mesocolonitis sigmoidea retráctil, está íntimamente asociada al vólvulo de sigmoides. En la evaluación macroscópica se reconoce abundante reacción fibrosa, en forma de bandas radiales, que se extienden hacia su raiz o base, encogiendo al mesocolon y aproximando los segmentos proximal y distal del sigmoides; esta contextura posibilita su torsión. El estudio microscópico demuestra abundante tejido fibroconjuntivo. Presumimos que la intensa fibrogénesis, podría ocasionarse por la acción directa de los microorganismos luminales (via translocación bacteriana) o indirectamente por la extensión de la respuesta inflamatoria del lumen al mesocolon; consecuencia de las reiteradas colitis infecciosas que sufre el poblador rural desde su infancia.

Aspectos técnicos en operaciones de colon izquierdo y recto / Technical aspects in left colon and rectum surgery

Se discuten los aspectos técnicos fundamentales de las operaciones de colon izquierdo y recto, entre las que destacan: posición del paciente en la mesa operatoria, incisión abdominal, técnica de aislar y no tocar, nivel de ligadura de arteria mesentérica inferior, linfadenectomía extendida, resección total del mesorecto, margen rectal distal a la lesión e instrumental quirúrgico. En esta exposición se comentarán algunos aspectos técnicos que me parecen de importancia, durante el desarrollo del acto operatorio propiamente tal, los cuales están destinados a minimizar la morbilidad inherente a cualquier intervención quirúrgica, sobre el colon y recto, obtener los mejores resultados funcionales y la mayor sobrevida posible de los pacientes