%0 Journal Article
%T Mobilization of the Splenic Flexure: A Standard in Laparoscopic Left Colon and Rectum Resections!
%A Stefan Farke
%A Ralf Bouchard
%A Claus Blumberg
%A Robert Keller
%A Uwe Johannes Roblick
%A Hans Peter Bruch
%A Frank Fischer
%J Surgery Journal
%D 2012
%I 
%R 10.3923/sjour.2010.31.35
%X The importance of routine mobilization of the left flexure within laparoscopic resections of the left colon is discussed controversially. In the opinion, it should be applied as a standard in these surgical operations. The data of the prospective evaluation of all laparoscopic colectomies were evaluated for a period between 1993 and 2005 with 1091 resections of the left colon or rectum with 72 conversions to an open procedure (conversion rate 6.6%) included. The left flexure was mobilized in 79.2% of all operations. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the duration, loss of blood and other parameters. The anastomotic leakage rate was 2.2% in this study. A number of resection-rectopexies were included in the percentage of interventions without mobilization of the flexure. The mobilization of the left flexure can be applied as a routine part of left colic resections in a teaching hospital with a large number of participating surgeons and procedures. Using a standardized operation technique with subtle preparation and partially extreme positions of the patient during surgery the mobilization is possible without relevant loss of time and without increased complication rate and a remarkably low leakage rate.
%U http://www.medwellonline.net/abstract/?doi=sjour.2010.31.35