Fig. 2From: Preservation versus nonpreservation of the left colic artery in anterior resection for rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched analysisPreservation or nonpreservation of the left colic artery in anterior resection for rectal cancer. a Preservation of the left colic artery: the IMA was ligated below the origin of the LCA; b Nonpreservation of the left colic artery: the IMA was ligated 1 cm from its origin. IMA inferior mesenteric artery; LCA left colic artery; IMV inferior mesenteric veinBack to article page