Low or High Ligation of the IMA With Apical Lymph Node Dissection in Rectal Cancer Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy colon surgery is accepted worldwide in the recent years. But there is still argument on the effect of laparoscopy rectal surgery. Laparoscopy has advantages on showing the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), protection of autonomic nerve, low rectal anastomosis, and total mesorectum excision. However, debate on the level of IMA ligation and debonding of splenic flexure never ends. This study is going to give a clear and definite answer to how and why surgeons should deal with the IMA in laparoscopy rectal surgery，base on the 3D reconstruction of IMA and identification of IMA perfusion types.