The laparoscopic treatment of colorectal diseases has brought many technical and tactical modifications as an attempt to improve results over open surgery. In the context, the growing experience with laparoscopic techniques1-5 allowed the adoption of a complete splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) as an essential step during colorectal resections6. This maneuver aims to ensure a tension-free and well-perfused length of colon to be attached at the anastomosis, allowing an adequate resection margin in segmental left resections for diverticulitis or cancer.
There exist some controversies regarding laparoscopic SFM, such as selective indication, the best moment to perform, the need for additional ports and technical aspects. Furthermore, there is a common fear that an additional procedure could affect postoperative morbidity.
A literature search shows that laparoscopic SFM lacks standardization. Consequently, we decided to describe in detail important technical aspects of how it can be performed and to discuss indications and outcomes.
Desenvolvido por Surya MKT