The fascia and spaces in left hemicolectomy and their significance

ZHU Xiao-ming, ZHANG Wei

Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (2) : 206-210.

PDF(4023 KB)
PDF(4023 KB)
Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (2) : 206-210. DOI: 10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2026.02.09

The fascia and spaces in left hemicolectomy and their significance

Author information +
History +

Abstract

Left hemicolectomy is a surgical procedure for splenic flexure colon carcinoma and descending colon carcinoma. Due to the unique embryonic origin and complex anatomical location of the splenic flexure of the colon, this surgery is often associated with high technical difficulty and a relatively high incidence of complications. The concept of mesenteric anatomy essentially involves understanding the anatomical location and adjacent relationships of mature human organs from the perspective of embryonic development. Its core viewpoint is that each organ in the abdominal cavity has its own mesentery and is encapsulated by its specific membrane. With the development of organs and their mesenteries, the membranes between different organs approach, fuse, and stabilize, forming distinct planes that ultimately constitute the different anatomical structures. Thus, surgery is no longer centered on a single organ or guided by its blood vessels, but rather regards the organ, its mesentery, blood vessels, and lymph nodes as an integrated whole encapsulated by “envelopes” to achieve en bloc resection. Understanding the fascia (Toldt fascia) and spaces (left retrocolic space, transverse retrocolic space, and omental bursa) surrounding the left colon based on the concept of mesenteric anatomy form the theoretical basis for left hemicolectomy. The “three-step method” for splenic flexure mobilization based on this concept enables surgeons to safely and effectively perform high-quality operations.

Key words

left hemicolectomy / mesenteric anatomy / splenic flexure of the colon

Cite this article

Download Citations
ZHU Xiao-ming , ZHANG Wei. The fascia and spaces in left hemicolectomy and their significance[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery. 2026, 46(2): 206-210 https://doi.org/10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2026.02.09

References

[1]
Kuzu MA, Benlice C, Parvaiz A, et al. Standardizing the definition of each colon cancer segment: Delphi consensus on clinical decision-making for oncologic outcomes[J]. Dis Colon Rectum, 2025, 68(7): 835-844. DOI:10.1097/DCR.0000000000003739.
Data registries lack a definitive classification system that distinguishes different locations of colon cancer from one another.To establish an international consensus on the definition of primary colon cancer segment locations.Between December 2022 and June 2023, the Delphi survey study was conducted to seek opinions from relevant international experts and eventually develop a consensus definition of each colon cancer segment.Three-round online-based Delphi survey study.The online survey included 17 questions. In the first 2 rounds, participating experts were asked to rank each statement on a scale of 1 (least relevant) to 9 (most relevant). Consensus statements and definitions were revised according to the results for statements obtaining a consensus score of 7 to 9. During the third round and online meeting, definitions and statements that reached a moderate or high consensus (above 4 for more than 70% of participants) were included.The primary goal of our project was focused on precisely localizing the specific segment affected by primary colon cancer rather than identifying surgical treatment or type of resection needed for a particular segment.The first round included 331 experts; 301 (91%) completed the second round and 295 (98%) completed the final round. Experts strongly supported the use of a "10-cm rule" to describe colon cancer sites at the flexures and anatomical landmarks for other segments. Regarding the definition of rectosigmoid cancer, experts from United States and Europe reached a high consensus that the term rectosigmoid as a colon cancer location must be abolished in contrast to experts from Asia. The description of overlapping segments of cancers achieved a consensus of 64%.Subjective decisions are based on individual expert clinical experience.This Delphi survey, the first internationally conducted consensus study, achieved a remarkable level of consensus among a panel of global experts. Ambiguity still exists regarding overlapping lesions. See Video Abstract.ANTECEDENTES:Las bases de datos carecen de un sistema de clasificación definitivo que distinga las diferentes localizaciones del cáncer de colon.OBJETIVO:Establecer un consenso internacional sobre la definición de las localizaciones de los segmentos del cáncer de colon priamrio.DISEÑO:Entre diciembre de 2022 y junio de 2023, se realizó un estudio Delphi para recabar la opinión de expertos internacionales relevantes y, finalmente, desarrollar una definición consensuada de cada segmento del cáncer de colon.ESCENARIO:Estudio Delphi en línea de 3 rondas.INTERVENCIONES:La encuesta en línea incluyó 17 preguntas. En las dos primeras rondas, se pidió a los expertos participantes que calificaran cada afirmación en una escala del 1 al 9 (9 es la más relevante). Las afirmaciones y definiciones de consenso se revisaron según los resultados, obteniendo una puntuación de consenso de 7 a 9. Durante la tercera ronda y la reunión en línea, se incluyeron las definiciones y afirmaciones que alcanzaron un consenso moderado o alto (superior a 4 en más del 70 % de los participantes).MEDIDA PRINCIPALES DE RESULTADOS:El objetivo principal de nuestro proyecto se centró en localizar con precisión el segmento específico afectado por el cáncer de colon primario, en lugar de identificar el tratamiento quirúrgico o el tipo de resección necesario para un segmento en particular.RESULTADOS:La primera ronda incluyó a 331 expertos, 301 (91%) completaron la segunda ronda y 295 (98%) completaron la ronda final. Los expertos apoyaron firmemente el uso de una "regla de 10 cm" para describir las localizaciones del cáncer de colon en las flexuras y puntos de referencia anatómicos para otros segmentos. En cuanto a la definición de cáncer rectosigmoideo, expertos de América y Europa alcanzaron un alto consenso en la necesidad de abolir el término "rectosigmoide" como localización del cáncer de colon, a diferencia de los expertos de Asia. La descripción de los cánceres en segmentos que se superponen a alcanzó un consenso del 64%.LIMITACIONES:Las decisiones subjetivas se basan en la experiencia clínica individual de cada experto.CONCLUSIONES:Esta encuesta Delphi, el primer estudio de consenso realizado a nivel internacional, alcanzó un notable nivel de consenso entre un panel de expertos globales. Todavía existe ambigüedad en cuanto a las lesiones superpuestas. (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco ).Copyright © The ASCRS 2025.
[2]
Chang S, Chang Y, Li F, et al. Global, regional, national burden of colorectal cancer from 1990 to 2021, with projections of incidence to 2050: A systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021[J]. Front Oncol, 2025, 15:1597847. DOI:10.3389/fonc.2025.1597847.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system, characterized by a high incidence and mortality rate. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of CRC between 1990 and 2021.
[3]
周建平, 孙健. 腹腔镜横结肠癌手术淋巴结清扫范围争议及共识[J]. 中国实用外科杂志, 2023, 43(10): 1139-1144. DOI:10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2023.10.14.
[4]
Heald RJ, Husband EM, Ryall RD. The mesorectum in rectal cancer surgery--the clue to pelvic recurrence?[J]. Br J Surg, 1982, 69(10):613-616. DOI:10.1002/bjs.1800691019.
Five cases are described where minute foci of adenocarcinoma have been demonstrated in the mesorectum several centimetres distal to the apparent lower edge of a rectal cancer. In 2 of these there was no other evidence of lymphatic spread of the tumour. In orthodox anterior resection much of this tissue remains in the pelvis, and it is suggested that these foci might lead to suture-line or pelvic recurrence. Total excision of the mesorectum has, therefore, been carried out as a part of over 100 consecutive anterior resections. Fifty of these, which were classified as ‘curative’ or ‘conceivably curative’ operations, have now been followed for over 2 years with no pelvic or staple-line recurrence.
[5]
Hohenberger W, Weber K, Matzel K, et al. Standardized surgery for colonic cancer: complete mesocolic excision and central ligation--technical notes and outcome[J]. Colorectal Dis, 2009, 11(4):354-365. DOI:10.1111/j.1463-1318.2008.01735.x.
[6]
Coffey JC, O'Leary DP. The mesentery: structure, function, and role in disease[J]. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2016, 1(3): 238-247. DOI:10.1016/S2468-1253(16)30026-7.
[7]
Pechriggl E, Schwabegger A, Hoermann M, et al. Embryology of the abdominal wall and associated malformations—a review[J]. Front Surg, 2022, 9: 891896. DOI:10.3389/fsurg.2022.891896.
In humans, the incidence of congenital defects of the intraembryonic celom and its associated structures has increased over recent decades. Surgical treatment of abdominal and diaphragmatic malformations resulting in congenital hernia requires deep knowledge of ventral body closure and the separation of the primary body cavities during embryogenesis. The correct development of both structures requires the coordinated and fine-tuned synergy of different anlagen, including a set of molecules governing those processes. They have mainly been investigated in a range of vertebrate species (e.g., mouse, birds, and fish), but studies of embryogenesis in humans are rather rare because samples are seldom available. Therefore, we have to deal with a large body of conflicting data concerning the formation of the abdominal wall and the etiology of diaphragmatic defects. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and focuses on the histological and molecular events leading to the establishment of the abdominal and thoracic cavities in several vertebrate species. In chronological order, we start with the onset of gastrulation, continue with the establishment of the three-dimensional body shape, and end with the partition of body cavities. We also discuss well-known human etiologies.
[8]
Byrnes KG, Cullivan O, Walsh D, et al. The development of the mesenteric model of abdominal anatomy[J]. Clin Colon Rectal Surg, 2022, 35(4):269-276. DOI:10.1055/s-0042-1743585.
Recent advances in mesenteric anatomy have clarified the shape of the mesentery in adulthood. A key finding is the recognition of mesenteric continuity, which extends from the oesophagogastric junction to the mesorectal level. All abdominal digestive organs develop within, or on, the mesentery and in adulthood remain directly connected to the mesentery. Identification of mesenteric continuity has enabled division of the abdomen into two separate compartments. These are the mesenteric domain (upon which the abdominal digestive system is centered) and the non-mesenteric domain, which comprises the urogenital system, musculoskeletal frame, and great vessels. Given this anatomical endpoint differs significantly from conventional descriptions, a reappraisal of mesenteric developmental anatomy was recently performed. The following narrative review summarizes recent advances in abdominal embryology and mesenteric morphogenesis. It also examines the developmental basis for compartmentalizing the abdomen into two separate domains along mesenteric lines.
[9]
篠原尚, 水野惠文, 牧野尚彦. 图解外科手术:从膜的解剖解读术式要点[M]. 刘金钢, 谭晓冬, 译. 第3版. 沈阳: 辽宁科学技术出版社, 2013.
[10]
Standring S. Gray’s anatomy-the anatomical basis of clinical practice[M]. 41st ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2015.
[11]
Matsuda T, Sumi Y, Yamashita K, et al. Anatomical and embryological perspectives in laparoscopic complete mesocoloic excision of splenic flexure cancers[J]. Surg Endosc, 2018, 32(3): 1202-1208. DOI:10.1007/s00464-017-5792-6.
Laparoscopic complete mesocoloic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation for splenic flexure cancer is technically challenging because of its anatomical complexity. Although embryological and anatomical consideration should be helpful to perform CME in colorectal cancer surgery, such studies on the splenic flexure are lacking.The splenic flexure is located embryologically between the terminal portion of the midgut and the beginning of the hindgut, and is supplied by the superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric arteries. The mesentery of the transverse and descending colon originally is a continuous sheet, although they rotate and partially fuse to each other during development. Our surgical strategy was excision of the transverse and descending mesocolon with ligation of the left colic artery and left branch of the middle colic artery, and extraction of the specimen in an intact package wrapped by the embryological planes.We performed laparoscopic surgery according to our surgical strategy in 17 patients with splenic flexure colon cancer. There were no conversions to open surgery or serious intraoperative complications. Two patients had pathological stage (pStage) I, 5 pStage II, 9 pStage III, and 1 pStage IV disease. No patient had recurrence except for 1 with pStage IV cancer, with a median follow-up of 16 months.Our laparoscopic CME technique is feasible for treatment of splenic flexure cancer. Knowledge of anatomy based on embryology is essential to perform this surgery.
[12]
中国医师协会外科医师分会结直肠外科医师专业委员会, 中华医学会外科学分会结直肠外科学组, 国家卫生健康委员会能力建设和继续教育外科学专家委员会结直肠外科专业委员会, 等. 结直肠系膜、筋膜和间隙的定义及名称中国专家共识(2023版)[J]. 中华胃肠外科杂志, 2023, 26(6):529-535. DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn441530-20230604-00192.
[13]
王枭杰, 郑志芳, 池畔, 等. 左原始后腹膜的解剖观察及其在术中左结肠后间隙分离时的临床意义[J]. 中华胃肠外科杂志, 2021, 24(7):619-625. DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn.441530-20210121-00033.
[14]
三毛牧夫. 腹腔镜下大肠癌手术[M]. 张宏, 刘金钢, 译. 沈阳: 辽宁科学技术出版社, 2015:15.
[15]
Culligan K, Walsh S, Dunne C, et al. The mesocolon: a histological and electron microscopic characterization of the mesenteric attachment of the colon prior to and after surgical mobilization[J]. Ann Surg, 2014, 260(7):1048-1056. DOI:10.1097/SLA.0000000000000323.
[16]
Byrnes KG, Mcdermott K, Coffey JC. Development of mesenteric tissues[J]. Semin Cell Dev Biol, 2019, 92:55-62. DOI:10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.005.
Mesothelial, neurovascular, lymphatic, adipose and mesenchymal tissues make up the mesentery. These tissues are pathobiologically important for numerous reasons. Collectively, they form a continuous, discrete and substantive organ. Additionally, they maintain abdominal digestive organs in position and in continuity with other systems. Furthermore, as they occupy a central position, they mediate transmission of signals between the abdominal digestive system and the remainder of the body. Despite this physiologic centrality, mesenteric tissue development has received little investigatory focus. However, recent advances in our understanding of anatomy demonstrate continuity between all mesenteric tissues, thereby linking previously unrelated studies. In this review, we examine the development of mesenteric tissue in normality and in the setting of congenital abnormalities.Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
[17]
池畔, 王枭杰. 机器人和腹腔镜全直肠系膜切除术中Denonvilliers筋膜解剖的意义及技巧[J]. 中国实用外科杂志, 2017, 37(6):609-615. DOI:10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2017.06.05.
[18]
池畔, 王枭杰. 左半结肠切除术的争议和基于膜解剖的脾曲游离技巧[J]. 中华结直肠疾病电子杂志, 2017, 6(4):265-270. DOI:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-3224.2017.04.004.
[19]
王枭杰. 结肠癌手术相关韧带结构的膜解剖认识[J]. 中华胃肠外科杂志, 2024, 27(9):898-903. DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn441530-20240708-00237.
[20]
张卫, 朱晓明. 腹腔镜左半结肠癌根治术的技术要点探讨[J]. 外科理论与实践, 2016, 21(6):481-482. DOI:10.16139/j.1007-9610.2016.06.006.
[21]
Hiroaki M, Koji M, Kazushige K, et al. Evaluation of the vascular anatomy of the left-sided colon focused on the accessory middle colic artery: A single-center study of 734 patients[J]. Colorectal Dis, 2018, 20(11):1041-1046. DOI:10.1111/codi.14287.
Surgery for colorectal cancer located in the splenic flexure is difficult to perform because of the complex anatomy. Recently, in addition to the middle colic artery and left colic artery (LCA), the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA) has been recognized as a feeding artery for the left‐sided colon. This study aimed to evaluate the vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure focusing on the AMCA in a large number of patients.
[22]
Murono K, Nozawa H, Kawai K, et al. Vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure: A review of the literature[J]. Surg Today, 2022, 52(5):727-735. DOI:10.1007/s00595-021-02328-z.
[23]
Piozzi GN, Rusli SM, Baek SJ, et al. Infrapyloric and gastroepiploic node dissection for hepatic flexure and transverse colon cancer: A systematic review[J]. Eur J Surg Oncol, 2022, 48(4):718-726. DOI:10.1016/j.ejso.2021.12.005.
[24]
Huang MJ, Wang XJ, Shao Y, et al. Surgical treatment of splenic flexure colon cancer: Analysis of short-term and long-term outcomes of three different surgical procedures[J]. Front Oncol, 2022, 12:884484. DOI:10.3389/fonc.2022.884484.
The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of splenic flexure colectomy (SFC), left hemicolectomy (LHC) and extended left hemicolectomy (ELHC) for splenic flexure colon cancer.
[25]
张卫. 腹腔镜左半结肠手术中脾脏、胰腺损伤及处理[J]. 中国实用外科杂志, 2022, 42(11):1224-1228. DOI:10.19538/j.cjps.issn1005-2208.2022.11.07.

Footnotes

利益冲突 所有作者均声明不存在利益冲突

Funding

General Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(82473439)
Clinical New Technology Incubation Program of the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University(2024XA001)
Medical New Technology Innovation Cultivation Project of Naval Medical University(ZXJS2024C05)
Health Care Research Project of Military Logistics Research Program(24BJZ10)
PDF(4023 KB)

Accesses

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/