OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in sigmoid colon or rectal cancer surgery on 5-year overall survival rate and operative mortality. METHODS: The results of several literatures from different countries on high or low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and prognosis were analyzed using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. The 5-year overall survival rate was compared between low and high ligation. The odd ratio (OR) for 5-year survival was 0.87 (95% CI=0.76-0.98, P=0.02), and the OR for perioperative mortality was 1.28 (95% CI=0.94-1.75, P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery may improve 5-year overall survival rate. Perioperative mortality may not be influenced by the level of ligation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in sigmoid colon or rectal cancer surgery on 5-year overall survival rate and operative mortality. METHODS: The results of several literatures from different countries on high or low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and prognosis were analyzed using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. The 5-year overall survival rate was compared between low and high ligation. The odd ratio (OR) for 5-year survival was 0.87 (95% CI=0.76-0.98, P=0.02), and the OR for perioperative mortality was 1.28 (95% CI=0.94-1.75, P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery may improve 5-year overall survival rate. Perioperative mortality may not be influenced by the level of ligation.