Surgical anatomy of the accessory middle colic artery: a meta-analysis with implications for splenic flexure cancer surgery

Abstract

Aim: Surgical resection of splenic flexure cancers (SFCs) is technically demanding due to the complex regional anatomy, characterized by the presence of embryological adhesions, close proximity to the pancreas and spleen, and a highly heterogeneous arterial supply and lymphatic drainage. The accessory middle colic artery (AMCA) is increasingly being recognized as an important source of blood supply to the splenic flexure. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and anatomical features of the AMCA.

Method: A systematic search of the scientific literature was conducted on PubMed and Embase from inception to November 2020 to identify potentially eligible studies. Data were extracted and prevalence was pooled into a meta-analysis using MetaXL and Meta-Analyst software.

Results: A total of 16 studies (n = 2203 patients) were included. The pooled prevalence (PP) of the AMCA was 25.4% (95% CI 18.1-33.4). Its prevalence was higher in patients without a left colic artery (LCA) (PP = 83.2%; 95% CI 70.4-93.1). The commonest origin for the AMCA was the superior mesenteric artery (PP = 87.9%; 95% CI 86.4-90.7). The AMCA shared a common trunk/gave rise to pancreatic branches in 23.1% of cases (95% CI 15.3-31.9).

Conclusion: The AMCA contributes to the vascularization of the splenic flexure in approximately 25% of individuals, and may be an important feeder artery to SFCs, especially in the absence of a LCA. Preoperative identification of this artery is important to ensure optimal surgery for SFC and minimize complications.