Journal Review in Colorectal Surgery: Management of Splenic Flexure Cancer

Behind The Knife: The Surgery Podcast

Join Drs. Galandiuk, Bolshinsky, Kavalukas, and Simon as they discuss the controversial management of colon cancer of the splenic flexure. What procedure do you perform? Does it matter? Tune in to hear the discussion!
Hosts:
- Susan Galandiuk MD, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, @DCREdInChief
- Vladimir Bolshinsky MD, Peninsula Health, Victoria, Australia, @bolshinskyv
- Sandy Kavalukas MD, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, @sandykava
- Hillary Simon DO, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, @HillaryLSimon
Producer:
- Manasa Sunkara MS3, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, @manasasunkara12
Learning objectives:
- Review surgical procedure options for splenic flexure cancer.
- Understand the importance of confirming the location of the tumor with imaging and/or endoscopically, perioperatively.
- Discuss surgical principles of operating in the left upper quadrant.
References:
de’Angelis, et al. Extended right colectomy, left colectomy, or segmental left colectomy for splenic flexure carcinomas: a European multicenter propensity score matching analysis. Surg Endosc. 2021 (35) :661–672.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32072288/
Degiuli M, et al. Segmental Colonic Resection Is a Safe and Effective Treatment Option for Colon Cancer of the Splenic Flexure: A Nationwide Retrospective Study of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology-Colorectal Cancer Network Collaborative Group. Dis Colon Rectum. 2020 Oct;63(10):1372-1382.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32969880/
Manceau G, et al. What Is the Optimal Elective Colectomy for Splenic Flexure Cancer: End of the Debate? A Multicenter Study From the GRECCAR Group With a Propensity Score Analysis. Dis Colon Rectum. 2022 Jan 1;65(1):55-65.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34882628/
Okazaki T, et al. Two Types of Variational Arteries' Courses From the Superior Mesenteric Artery to Supply the Splenic Flexure: Gross Anatomical Study. Dis Colon Rectum. 2024 Jan 1;67(1):120-128.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37493262/
Pang AJ, Marinescu D, Morin N, Vasilevsky CA, Boutros M. Segmental resection of splenic flexure colon cancers provides an adequate lymph node harvest and is a safe operative approach - an analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database. Surg Endosc. 2022 Aug;36(8):5652-5659.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34973078/
Rusli SM, et al. Laparoscopic D3 oncological resection in splenic flexure cancer: Technical details and its impact on long-term survival. Colorectal Dis. 2023 Mar;25(3):431-442.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36281503/
Sakamoto K, et al. Drainage pattern of the splenic flexure vein and its accompanying arteries using three-dimensional computed tomography angiography: a single-centre study of 600 patients. Colorectal Dis. 2023 Aug;25(8):1679-1685.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37221647/
Vargas, HD. Gaining Mesenteric Length following Colorectal Resection: Essential Maneuvers to Avoid Anastomotic Tension. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2023 Jan 13;36(1):37-46.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36643828/
Vogel JD, et al. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Colon Cancer. Dis Colon Rectum. 2022 Feb 1;65(2):148-177.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34775402/
Video References

“Splenic Flexure Cancers.” Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Disease of the Colon and Rectum Journal Club. February 28, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87HXHQYMxe4&list=PLMBNyGA6TZajQn4UlDyKxrLakFZb7SC_2&index=23

Varela, C. and Yang, S. Laparoscopic-Assisted Colonic Resection for Splenic-Flexure Cancer With D3 Lymphadenectomy, Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 66(6):p e295-e297, June 2023. https://journals.lww.com/dcrjournal/pages/collectiondetails.aspx?TopicalCollectionID=138&ParentCollection=109

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