METHODS: A thorough systematic literature search through September 2020 was conducted on the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to identify studies eligible for inclusion. Data were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis using MetaXl software.
RESULTS: A total of 41 studies (n = 4691 patients) were included. The ileocolic artery (ICA), right colic artery (RCA) and middle colic artery (MCA) were present in 99.7% (95% CI 99.4%-99.8%), 72.6% (95% CI 61.3%-82.5%) and 96.9% (95% CI 94.2%-98.8%) respectively of patients. Supernumerary RCA and MCA were observed in 3.2% and 11.4% respectively of all cases. The RCA shared a common trunk with the ICA and MCA in 13.2% and 17.7% respectively of patients. A retro-superior mesenteric vein course of the ICA and RCA was observed in 55.1% and 11.4% respectively of all cases.
CONCLUSIONS: The vascular anatomy of the right colon displays several notable variations, namely the absence of some branches (RCA absent in 27.4% of cases), supernumerary branches, common trunks, and retro-superior mesenteric vein courses. These variations should be taken into consideration during right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision to ensure adequate oncological resection while minimizing intra-operative complications.