ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the number of lymph node dissected by intraoperative lymphatic mapping guided D2 gastrectomy and that by standard D2 gastrectomy plus lymphadenectomy in patients of advanced gastric cancer. Methods In this study 20 advanced gastric cancer cases received intraoperative peritumor injection of carbon nanoparticles suspension ( group 1 ) and D2 lymphadenectomy was guided by the black-stained lymph nodes. 21 cases undergoing standard D2 lymphadenectomy served as controls (group 2). The number of lymph nodes removed and the condition of lymphatic metastasis in two groups, blackstained lymph nodes in group 1, and postoperative complications were compared. Results The average lymph nodes dissected in group 1 (35. 1 ± 13.4) were higher than in control group (26.2 ±7.8). The differences were statistically significant (t =2. 126, P =0. 034). The number of removed N2 and N3 lymph nodes in group 1 were more than that in control group. The total black-stained ration of lymph nodes was 52. 7% in group 1. The positive rate of lymph nodes was higher in black-stained lymph nodes (27.6%) than in unstained lymph nodes ( 10. 8% ) in group 1 and in control group ( 16. 9% ). The differences were also statistically significant ( x2 = 6. 034, P = 0. 016; x2 = 5. 142, P = 0. 023 ). Postoperative afferent loop obstruction developed in one case in group 1. Conclusions Lymphatic mapping guided D2 radical gastrectomy plus lymphadenectomy increases the number of lymph nodes dessected and improves the efficiency of positive lymph nodes excision for patients of advanced gastric cancer.