Cadaveric Study of Colon Lengthening Maneuvers Following Sigmoidectomy

BACKGROUND: Creation of a tension free colorectal anastomosis after left colon resection or low anterior resection is a key requirement for technical success. The relative contribution of each of a series of known lengthening maneuvers remains incompletely characterized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare technical procedures for lengthening of the left colon prior to rectal anastomosis. DESIGN: A series of lengthening maneuvers was performed on 15 fresh cadavers. Average distance gained was measured for each successive maneuver, including (1) high inferior mesenteric artery ligation, (2) splenic flexure takedown, and (3) high inferior mesenteric vein ligation by the ligament of Treitz. SETTING: Cadaveric study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The pre-mobilization and post-mobilization position of the proximal colonic end was measured relative to the inferior edge of the sacral promontory. Measurements of the colonic length relative to the sacral promontory were taken following each mobilization maneuver. The inferior mesenteric artery, sigmoid colon and rectum specimen lengths were measured. The distance from the inferior border of the sacral promontory to the pelvic floor was measured along the sacral curvature. RESULTS: Average sigmoid colon resection length was 34.7 ± 11.1 cm. Prior to any lengthening, baseline reach was -1.3 ± 4.2 cm from the sacral promontory. Inferior mesenteric artery ligation yielded an additional 11.5 ± 4.7 cm. Subsequent splenic flexure takedown added an additional 12.8 ± 9.6 cm. Finally, inferior mesenteric vein ligation added an additional 11.33 ± 6.9 cm, bringing the total colonic length to 35.7 ± 14.7 cm. BMI and weight negatively correlated with length gained. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by nature of being a cadaver study. CONCLUSIONS: Stepwise lengthening maneuvers allow significant additional reach to allow a tension free left colon to rectal anastomosis. See Video Abstract .