Low-tie IMA and selective D3 lymph node sampling in laparoscopic rectal resection for carcinoma rectum: comparison of surgical and oncological outcomes with the open technique.

Background: Level of proximal lymphovascular ligation remains controversial in carcinoma rectum. High-tie inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) claims better lymph node clearance; low-tie IMA minimizes autonomic nerve injury (ANI) and ensures vascularity to anastomosis. Objective of this study is to compare postsurgical complications and oncological clearance in laparoscopic rectal resection (LRR) and open rectal resection (ORR) for carcinoma rectum, with low-tie IMA and selective D3 lymphadenectomy.