Influence of splenic flexure mobilization on postoperative and oncological outcomes following anterior resection

Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) during anterior resection is often debated given its increased operative complexity and lack of clear data suggesting oncological benefit. This study aimed to compare postoperative complications and 3-year oncological outcomes in patients undergoing anterior resection with and without SFM.

A retrospective single center observational study was performed. Notes review was performed for all patients undergoing anterior resection over a one-year period at a high-volume institution for sigmoid and rectal cancers. Anterior resections performed for benign disease or non-colorectal cancers were excluded.

One hundred seventeen patients were included and 49 (41.9%) underwent SFM. 75 (64.1%) cases were completed laparoscopically and 48 (41%) resulted in stoma formation. SFM significantly increased the risk of minor Clavien Dindo Grade 1 postoperative complications (18.4% vs. 5.9%, P=0.03), however, it had no impact on more major postoperative complications, including anastomotic leaks (4.2% vs. 7.1%, P=0.52). There were no significant differences in median total lymph node yield (21.0% vs. 21.1, P=0.57) or R0 resection margin (93.9% vs. 94.1%, P=0.96). There was a non-significant trend towards lower overall recurrence rates in the SFM group (10.2% vs. 19.1%, P=0.19).

In patients undergoing anterior resection for colorectal cancer, SFM provides no clear oncological benefit, but does increase the likelihood of minor postoperative complications. Whilst a trend towards lower overall recurrence rates was observed in the SFM group, this was not statistically significant. Therefore, SFM should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis.