Comparison of high or modified low tie of the inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: A meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis comparing the oncological, intraoperative and safety outcomes in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with and without preservation of the left colic artery (LCA). METHOD: We searched several databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. This meta-analysis included randomized clinical trials, prospective, and retrospective comparative studies regarding high- or modified low-tie ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. RESULTS: Of 641 potentially eligible articles, 16 studies with 3050 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in estimated blood loss (WMD −2.63, 95% CI −5.69 to 0.43; P = .09), the number of harvested lymph nodes (WMD −0.35, 95% CI −1.60 to 0.20; P = .50), the number of apical lymph node yield (WMD −0.19, 95% CI −0.52 to 0.13; P = .24), the number of apical lymph node metastasis (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.45; P = .40), rate of conversion to open surgery (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.09; P = .513), rate of urinary dysfunction (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.74; P = .34), rate of recurrence and metastasis (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.61; P = .64), 5-year survival rate (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.18; P = .42). However, this meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in operating time (WMD −9.92, 95% CI −15.49 to −5.84; P = .0005), rate of diverting stom (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.92; P = .02), rate of anastomotic leakage (OR 2.673, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.62; P < .00001), time to first flatus (WMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.48; P = .002), time of hospitalization (WMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.15; P = .01) between the 2 surgical techniques. COCLUSION: The available evidence suggests that preserving the left colic artery is a safe, effective technique for patients with laparoscopic rectal cancer. nique for patients with laparoscopic rectal cancer.