The role of splenic flexure mobilization in laparoscopic rectal surgery for rectal cancer

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of colorectal cancer has gained an enormous advantage as compared to the traditional approach in terms of patient benefits. Although it has gained popularity among surgeons, there are still some contentious issues especially in laparoscopic rectal surgery. Splenic flexure mobilization is a crucial aspect of the procedure with complex technical details thereby establishing a learning curve that cannot be easily overcome. A team of colorectal surgeons at China Medical University Hospital adopted a standardized approach to laparoscopic rectal surgery particularly simplifying the steps involved in mobilizing the splenic flexure which is deemed as one of the difficult steps in the surgery.

Keywords

Splenic flexure mobilization / anterior resection / low anterior resection / laparoscopic rectal surgery

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