High tie of the inferior mesenteric artery in curative surgery for left colonic and rectal cancers: a systematic review.

Background: During surgery for left colonic and rectal cancers, the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) can be ligated either at its aortic origin (high tie) or below the origin of the left colic artery (low tie). There is no consensus as to which method should be employed.

Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane collaboration, and National Guidelines Clearinghouse databases and undertook a systematic review on the use of IMA high tie during curative resections for left colonic and rectal cancers and its impact on patient survival, peri-operative morbidity and mortality, and lymph node retrieval rates.

Results: Sixteen studies were eligible for systematic review, including one randomized controlled study, 7 quasi-experimental studies, and 8 retrospective cohort studies. Data on 7,649 patients were analyzed, of whom 4,847 underwent high ligation of the IMA. Despite a trend for improved survival in patients in whom high tie was employed, there is no conclusive evidence to support this. Mortality and morbidity, including anastomotic leak and autonomic nerve injury rates, are similar, while lymph node retrieval is improved.

Conclusions: Although there is no undisputable evidence of improved survival, the use of IMA high tie contributes to improved lymph node retrieval rates and accuracy of tumour staging.