Level of Inferior Mesenteric Artery Ligation in Sigmoid Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery: Analysis of Apical Lymph Node Metastasis and Recurrence.

Introduction: Whether high or low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is optimal for treating sigmoid colon and rectal cancers is controversial. The present study aimed to compare outcomes of high and low ligation of the IMA and determine the adequate extent of IMA lymph node dissection.

Methods: Subjects were 455 consecutive stage I-III colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery between 2011 and 2019.