Mesenteric-based gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery has been practiced internationally for over a century. However, it is not yet universally adopted, and considerable variations exist. Such variations are explained by the historical disparity that has persisted between anatomic and surgical approaches to the intestinal mesentery. While mesenteric-based surgery is far from new, it is remarkable that its anatomic basis has only recently been formally described. This means that key mesenteric principles of intestinal and colorectal surgery can now be taught, conducted and developed, in...