Mesenteric sparing approach for advanced nodal extent in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Is there a limit to the vascular resection in order to avoid creating a short small bowel syndrome? An anatomic research study

• Published in: Surgical and radiologic anatomy (English ed.) Vol. 46; no. 6; pp. 811 - 823
• Main Authors: Bufacchi, Paul, Gomes-Jorge, Mathys, Walter, Thomas, Poncet, Gilles, Pasquer, Arnaud
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Springer Paris 01.06.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anatomy; Arteries; Cadaver; Cadavers; Dissection; Female; Humans; Imaging; Intestinal Neoplasms - surgery; Intestine; Intestine, Small - blood supply; Intestine, Small - surgery; Jejunum - blood supply; Jejunum - surgery; Lymph Node Excision - methods; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mesenteric Artery, Superior - surgery; Neuroendocrine tumors; Neuroendocrine Tumors - blood supply; Neuroendocrine Tumors - pathology; Neuroendocrine Tumors - surgery; Original Article; Orthopedics; Radiology; Small intestine; Surgery; Veins & arteries; SI-NET; Short bowel syndrome; Jejunal vascularization; Anatomic variations
• DOI: 10.1007/s00276-024-03356-3
• ISSN: 1279-8517; 0930-1038

Purpose By selectively perfusing the first three jejunal arteries (JA), we aim to assess the individual perfusion length of small bowel (SB) and its impact on nodal resection in stage III-up small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NET). Methods Our anatomical research protocol implies a midline laparotomy and three measures of the SB length. We then perform a classical anterior approach of the superior mesenteric vessels. We carry on with the complete dissection and checking of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in order to identify the first three JA. Then we selectively perfuse each artery with colored latex solutions and measure the length of small bowel perfused respectively. Results We conducted our protocol on six cadaveric subjects. Mean(SD) SB length was 413(5.7), 535(13.2), 485(15), 353(25.1), 730(17.3) and 525(16° cm respectively from subject one to six. Most JA originated from the left side of the SMA. The first JA originated from its posterior wall in two subjects. Mean(SD) distance of origin of the first three JA was 4.6(1.3)cm, 6(1.1)cm and 7.1(0.9)cm respectively. Mean(SD) diameter of SMA was 10.8(3.3)mm. Mean diameter of the three first JA was 4(1.4)mm, 4(1.5)mm and 5(1.2)mm respectively. Mean(SD) SB length perfused by first and second JA was 224(14.9)cm, 175(8.6)cm, 238.3(7.6)cm, 84.3(5.1)cm, 233.3(5.8)cm and 218.3(10.4)cm respectively from subject one to six. Conclusion We observed a trend suggesting that the first and second JA may sustain a SB length beyond the viable 1.5 m limit, implying the feasibility of stage III-up SI-NET resection with just two JA.