[Collateral circulation of the left colon: historic considerations and actual clinical significance].

Introduction: The arterial communication between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries is important in surgery of the colon and aorta.

Methods: The anastomosis between the median colic artery (ACM) and the superior colic artery (AMS) was studied on 52 cadavers (32 female, 20 male). The length of the artery was measured using a flexible scale, and its diameter was determined at three different locations (origin, middle, end).