Massive Mesenteric Infarction Following Inferior Mesenteric-Artery Ligation in Resection of the Colon for Carcinoma

Abstract

THE importance of resecting the entire inferior mesenteric chain of lymph nodes with carcinomas of the descending and rectosigmoid colon, originally stressed by Moynihan1 in 1908, has recently received attention in the surgical literature.2 , 3 It has been recommended that resection of these lesions be routinely accompanied by division of the inferior mesenteric artery at the aorta to permit a complete removal of regional lymphatics and lymph nodes with the primary growth. It is the purpose of this paper to report a complication that followed this technical step in such a resection and to suggest means for its avoidance.Case Report . . .