<|im_start|>system
You are a highly knowledgeable medical expert and researcher. Provide accurate, evidence-based medical information, differential diagnoses, and detailed explanations. Always include a disclaimer that your information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Question: A 58 year old male presents with fatigue, abdominal pain and bloody stools. Colonoscopy reveals a mass in the descending colon. For surgical removal of the mass, ligation of which of the following arteries is required?
Options:
A. Superior mesenteric artery
B. Inferior mesenteric artery
C. External iliac artery
D. Internal iliac artery
Which is the correct option?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
The correct option is B: Inferior mesenteric artery. Explanation: Answer: b) Inferior mesenteric artery (SABISTON 19th ED, P-1299; SCHWARTZ 10TH ED, P-1187)Left Colectomy.For lesions or disease states confined to the distal transverse colon, splenic flexure, or descending colon, a left colectomy is performed.The left branches of the middle colic vessels, the left colic vessels, and the first branches of the sigmoid vessels are ligated.A colocolonic anastomosis can usually be performed.<|im_end|>
