A United States Rectal Cancer Consortium study of inferior mesenteric artery versus superior rectal artery ligation: How high do we need to go?

47 Background: The optimal level of pedicle ligation during proctectomy for rectal cancer, either at the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) or the superior rectal artery (SRA), is still debated. Reasons for IMA ligation include facilitating a tension-free anastomosis and improved clearance of regional lymph nodes. Our aim was to determine if SRA ligation portends inferior outcomes. Methods: The US Rectal Cancer Consortium database...