[Chinese expert consensus on radical resection of rectal cancer with preservation of left colonic artery (2021 edition)].

The preservation of left colonic artery (LCA) has been accepted by more and more surgeons in the radical resection of rectal cancer, but whether it can reduce anastomotic complications and affect the oncology efficacy remains controversial. This consensus elaborates the significance, anatomical structure, key points of operation techniques, indications and contraindications, and surgical approaches of LCA preservation. Each statement and recommendation was recognized by most experts in the field of colorectal surgery. The purpose of this consensus is to improve the cognitive level of Chinese colorectal surgeons on LCA preservation, so as to standardize the surgical strategies and methods of LCA preservation and furthermore practice, and promote it. The pending issues in this consensus need further high-quality clinical studies.直肠癌根治术中保留左结肠动脉（LCA）已被越来越多的外科医师所接受，但其在是否能够降低吻合口并发症、以及是否影响肿瘤学疗效等方面仍存在争议。本共识针对保留LCA的意义、解剖学基础、操作技术要点、保留LCA的适应证和禁忌证以及手术入路的选择等进行了详细的阐述，每项陈述和推荐都获得了结直肠外科领域大多数专家的认可。本共识旨在提高我国结直肠外科医师对保留LCA的认知水平，以期规范保留LCA的手术策略和手术方式，并加以实践和推广。共识中尚未解决的临床问题，尚需开展高质量的临床研究进行探索和解决。.