Three-dimensional computed tomography for analyzing the vascular anatomy in laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon cancer.

Background: The mesenteric vessels have many branching patterns. This study clarified the anatomic relationship between the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), the right colic artery (RCA), and the ileocolic artery (ICA) using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). The relationship between the RCA and the right colic vein (RCV) was also examined.

Methods: Between April 2006 and July 2011, all patients with colorectal cancer underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) before laparoscopic surgery. The 100 most recent consecutive cases were analyzed. 3D-CT images were made by combining arterial angiography, venous angiography, colonography, tumor, lymph node, and duodenal images.

Results: The RCA branched from the SMA in 37 cases (37%); of these, 21 had an ICA that crossed anterior to the SMV and 16 had an ICA that crossed posterior. When the ICA crossed anterior to the SMV, all had an RCA that crossed anterior to the SMV, and no posterior RCA was seen. Furthermore, the RCV joined the SMV in 10 cases (27%) and the gastrocolic trunk in 27 cases (73%).

Conclusions: Our study clarified the anatomic variety of the vessels in right-sided colon cancer. Preoperative 3D-CT is useful for understanding the anatomy to ensure a safe, precise operation.