Step-by-step approach to laparoscopic D3 lymph node dissection while preserving the inferior mesenteric artery for advanced descending colon cancer - a video vignette

D3 lymph node (LN) dissection, also known as central lymph node dissection, for advanced descending colon cancer requires harvesting station 253 LNs at the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) root [1]. However, the need for high ligation of the IMA for harvesting station 253 LNshas been controversialbecause of the risk of anastomotic complications and longer length of the resected colon, which are caused by anal-side colonic ischemia[2].