Three Surgical Approaches of Laparoscopic Splenic Flexure Mobilization

ABSTRACT

Splenic flexure mobilization during laparoscopic colorectal surgery, which is used for elongation of the remaining colon after resecting the left colon or rectum, is sometimes essential for making a secure anastomosis without tension. However, laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization is often time consuming and technically demanding, particularly in obese patients with severe adhesion. Therefore, three surgical approaches are introduced to make the procedure easier according to the method of entering the lesser sac: anterior approach, inferio-medial approach, and lateral approach.