[Anatomical structures relevant to complete mesocolic excision: mesentery, fascia and space]

Abstract

Anatomy is the foundation of surgical techniques. With the development of surgery, anatomy also divided into traditional anatomy, surgical anatomy and embryonic development anatomy. Complete mesocolic excision (CME) is one of classic radical operation for colon cancer, based on the modern anatomy. CME advocates correct operation plane, and describes the mobilization and separation of the colon together with the entire regional mesocolon. With the evolution of anatomy, the definition and content of CME-related anatomic landmarks such as mesentery, fascia and space have been changed. This article elaborates theses anatomical structures and their distribution, in order to improve the understanding of colorectal surgeons on CME-related traditional anatomy, surgical anatomy and embryonic developmental anatomy.