To explore the feasibility of laparoscopic anterior resection with the preservation of left colon artery.

From September 2015 to September 2019, the clinical data of 74 patients with rectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively, who were divided into study group (n=37) and control group (n=37) according to with or without the preservation of left colon artery. Statistical analysis were performed by using SPSS 20.0 software. Measurement data, including perioperative indicators, distal and proximal resection margin distance, and harvested lymph nodes were expressed as (±s) and were examined by using independent sample t test. Postoperative complications were analyzed by using χ² test. A P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant difference.

The bleeding volume and operation time of the study group were more than those of the control group respectively (P<0.05), while the postoperative exhaust time was shorter than that of the control group, with significant difference (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between χ² groups in terms of harvested lymph nodes (D3 or total) as well as the incidence of postoperative complications (P>0.05).

In laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer, the preservation of the left colon artery could achieve better clinical outcome and should be further promoted in clinical application.