Sudeck point

The Sudeck point (or Sudeck critical point) refers to a specific location in the arterial supply of the rectosigmoid junction, namely the origin of the last sigmoid arterial branch from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) .

This arterial branch usually forms an anstomosis with a branch of the superior rectal artery. The anastomosis is small and often only singular.

Related pathology

Sudeck point has particular relevance in colorectal surgery and also forms a site of watershed rectal wall that is susceptible to ischemic colitis.