The sigmoid arteries: an imaging-based anatomical study with clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Vascular anatomy
• Colorectal surgery

Background:

• Sigmoid arteries (SAs) supply the sigmoid colon and have variable anatomy.
• Understanding SA anatomy is vital for colorectal procedures like oncological resections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the morphometric characteristics and branching patterns of sigmoid arteries.
• To provide data enhancing knowledge for colorectal surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 75 Polish patients' abdominal CT angiography (2018-2022).
• Assessed SA origin, diameter, cross-sectional area, and distance from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA).

Main Results:

• First SA most commonly originated from the IMA (69.01%).
• Type 1 configurations were most frequent (50.70%), with Type 1B predominant (35.21%).
• Median SA number was 1 (max 6); median diameter 1.97 mm; median distance from IMA 52.76 mm.

Conclusions:

• Sigmoid arteries exhibit significant variability in origin and branching.
• This study offers detailed morphometric data on SAs.
• Findings are clinically relevant for colorectal surgery, including malignancy resections.