Lymph Node Metastases and Arterial Ligation in Rectal Cancer Surgery

Lymph node status is of major prognostic importance in non-metastatic rectal cancer. For oncological reasons, central arterial ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is suggested. However, there is no conclusive evidence presented for this procedure. This study aimed at investigating the localisation of lymph node metastases and the role of central versus peripheral arterial ligation of in rectal cancer specimens.