OBJECTIVETo evaluate mesenteric vascular anatomy using 256 multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) before laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODSEleven patients with colorectal cancer underwent 256 MSCT from February 2010 to December 2010. The evaluation items were visualization of mesenteric artery and vein by 3-dimensional CT angiography, which was compared with findings on laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTSThree-dimensional CT angiography correctly demonstrated variations of the mesenteric artery and vein and were consistent with laparoscopic findings. Of the 3 patients undergoing right hemicolectomy, ileocolic artery (ICA) ran ventrally to the superior mesenteric vein(SMV) in 1 patient, whereas ICA ran dorsally to the SMV in 2 patients; the right colic artery (RCA) branched directly from superior mesenteric artery(SMA) in 2 patients; RCA was absent and the left branch of middle colic artery(MCA) fed the tumor in 1 patient. In the patients who had transverse colon resection, MCA branched from SMA. In 2 of 3 patients who underwent sigmoidectomy, sigmoid artery (SA) branched from left colic artery(LCA); in 1 of 3 patients of sigmoid resection, SA branched from inferior mesenteric artery(IMA). In 4 patients with rectal cancer, the superior rectal artery (SRA) fed the tumor.

CONCLUSIONThe 256 MSCT is effective for evaluating mesenteric vascular anatomy variation before laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.