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. 1998 Nov;5(4):385-8.
doi: 10.1016/s1074-3804(98)80052-2.

Location of the transverse colon in relationship to the umbilicus: implications for laparoscopic techniques

S S Chee  1 , C D Godfrey, J A Hurteau, J M Schilder, J M Rothenberg, W W Hurd
Affiliations

Location of the transverse colon in relationship to the umbilicus: implications for laparoscopic techniques

S S Chee et al. J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc. 1998 Nov.

Abstract

Study objective: To establish the location of the transverse colon in relationship to the umbilicus, and determine if it varies as a function of patient height or weight.

Design: Retrospective review of computed tomograms (CT) of the abdomen (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

Setting: University hospital.

Patients: Sixty-seven women with normal abdominal anatomy.

Intervention: Review of abdominal CT scans.

Measurements and main results: The relative relationships of the transverse colon and umbilicus were compared with age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI = kg/m2) using multiple regression analysis. Average location of the superior margin of the transverse colon was 4.6 cm (95% CI 3.5-5.7 cm) above the umbilicus. In nine (13%) women it was below the umbilicus. The colon was below the umbilicus in 25% of nonobese women (BMI <25 kg/m2).

Conclusion: Because the transverse colon lies below the umbilicus in more than 10% of women, injury to it may be an uncommon yet unavoidable complication of laparoscopy.

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