The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes are pre-aortic nodes around the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. They collect lymph from the hindgut (the distal third of the transverse colon, descending and sigmoid colon and upper rectum) after it passes through the colic, sigmoid and superior rectal nodes.
| Location | Pre-aortic, around the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery at about L3, and along its left colic, sigmoid and superior rectal branches |
|---|---|
| Receives lymph from | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Filter lymph from the hindgut.
Surgery for left-sided colon and rectal cancer removes the mesentery and these nodes, often with high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery to achieve a complete nodal harvest. Nodal involvement determines whether adjuvant chemotherapy is offered. Total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer removes the perirectal nodes that feed into this group.
Metastasis of sigmoid, descending colon or upper rectal cancer to nodes along the inferior mesenteric vessels.
Reactive enlargement of sigmoid mesenteric nodes in acute diverticulitis.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
