OBJECTIVETo explore the application value of multi-slice spiral CT angiography (MSCTA) for the preoperative evaluation of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

METHODSAbdominal CT slice images of 160 patients(group A) were collected for 3-dimensional reconstruction using volume rendering technique. Interpretation and anatomical classification of the major branches and course of the superior mesenteric artery(SMA) in the reconstructed images of the arterial phase were carried out. Forty-five patients(group B) undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy were evaluated with MSCT combining images obtained from the arterial phase and portal venous phase. The relationship between ileocolic artery and ileocolic vein was analyzed. The preoperative imaging findings were compared to that revealed during the procedure.

RESULTSIn group A, 70(43.8%) out of 160 patents showed anatomical variations of the superior mesenteric artery, of whom 51(31.9%) had two right colic arteries, and 14(8.8%) had two middle colic arteries. Preoperative MSCTA showed that in group B ileocolic artery was running ventrally to ileocolic vein in 13(28.9%) out of 45 patients, while running dorsally in 32(71.1%). Compared to the skeletonized vessels during the procedure, the consistency rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONAnatomical variations of superior mesenteric artery are common, therefore, multi-slice spiral CT scan is vital for preoperation evaluation.