Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy postopen aortic replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report

Colectomy for colorectal cancer after an open aortic replacement (OAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms has high perioperative complication and mortality rates.

The authors report the case of an 87-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. The patient presented with edema of the lower legs and face, and blood test results indicated anemia. The patient had a history of OAR for an abdominal aortic aneurysm 9 years prior, a left common iliac artery aneurysm, and a jump bypass graft. A colonoscopy revealed a type 2 lesion in the sigmoid colon; he was diagnosed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Preoperative computed tomography did not show any obvious lymph node or distant metastases. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy was planned. During surgery, the use of the lateral approach allowed sigmoid mesocolon mobilization while confirming the presence of the artificial arteries. As the approach to the root of the inferior mesenteric artery was difficult, D1 lymphadenectomy was performed. No evidence of anastomotic leakage or artificial artery infection was observed postoperatively.

Intra-abdominal adhesions due to the prior OAR makes sigmoid mesocolon mobilization difficult. In cases where laminar structure cannot be recognized, other landmarks are needed.

After OAR, artificial arteries can be used as landmarks during colectomy. Although laparoscopic surgery is technically challenging, the magnified view provides an advantage in identifying these landmarks. Patients' surgical records for the previous OAR should be checked, and the positions of the vessels and ureters should be elucidated preoperatively using computed tomography.