Abstract
Aim
The aim of this study was to describe all the possible approaches for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization (SFM), each suitable for specific situations, and create an illustrated system to show SFM approaches in an easy and practical way to make it easy to learn and teach.
Methods
Two different phases. First part: Cadaver-based study of the colonic splenic flexure anatomy. In order to demonstrate the different approaches, a balloon was placed through the colonic hepatic flexure in the lesser sac without sectioning any of the fixing ligaments of the splenic flexure. Second part: A real case series of laparoscopic SFM.
Results
First part: 11 cadavers were dissected. Five potential approaches to SFM were found: anterior, trans-omentum, lateral, medial infra-mesocolic, and medial trans-mesocolic. The illustrative system developed was named: Splenic Flexure “Box”(SFBox).
Second part: One of the types of SFM described in first part was used in five patients with colorectal cancer. Each laparoscopic approach to the splenic flexure was illustrated in a video accompanied by illustration aids delineating the access.
Conclusion
With the cadaver dissection and subsequent demonstration in real-life laparoscopic surgery, we have shown five types of laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization. The Splenic Flexure “Box” is a useful way to learn and teach this surgical maneuver.
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Alvaro Garcia-Granero, Vicent Primo Romaguera, Monica Millan, Gianluca Pellino, Delfina Fletcher-Sanfeliu, Matteo Frasson, Blas Flor-Lorente, Noelia Ibañez-Canovas, Omar Carreño Saenz, Luis Sanchez-Guillen, Jorge Sancho Muriel, Eduardo Alvarez Sarrado, Alfonso A. Valverde-Navarro have no conflict of interest or financial ties to disclose.
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Supplementary file1 Supplemental data file 1. The different ligaments that need to be dissected and cut to achieve a complete SFM are described. 1) Splenocolic ligament, 2) Phrenicocolic ligament, 3) Gastrocolic ligament, 4) Pancreatocolic ligament (MP4 9708 kb)
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Supplementary file3 (MP4 249900 kb)
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Garcia-Granero, A., Primo Romaguera, V., Millan, M. et al. A video guide of five access methods to the splenic flexure: the concept of the splenic flexure box. Surg Endosc 34, 2763–2772 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-020-07423-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-020-07423-9