[Splenic flexure mobilization in surgery for rectal cancer]

Abstract

Nowadays, the issue of splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) in anterior and low anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer is still debatable. This stage is important because dissection results tension-free anastomosis and excision of specimen of enough length with adequate number of harvested lymph nodes. However, literature review confirmed the absence of agreement regarding reduced incidence of colorectal anastomotic leakage and improved long-term oncologic outcomes after SFM. Opinion about selective approach to this procedure is becoming more common. Therefore, randomized trials are necessary to determine a need for routine SFM or indications for selective approach to SFM in anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer.

Keywords: anterior rectal resection; rectal cancer; splenic flexure mobilization.