Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection for a patient with situs inversus totalis: report of a case

Abstract

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by an inversion of the thoracic and abdominal viscera that creates a mirror image. The transposition of the organs imposes special demands on the diagnostic and technical skills of the surgeon, especially when performing laparoscopic surgery. We herein report the case of a 63-year-old man with colon cancer of the hepatic flexure who received a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Careful recognition by the surgeon of the mirror image anatomy and skillful use of his left hand resulted in a successful outcome. The surgery was not otherwise different from ordinary cases. Therefore, laparoscopic colectomy is considered to be a safe and feasible option for patients with colorectal cancer and SIT.