ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the regularity of lymph node metastasis of gastrocolic ligament in colon cancer at hepatic flexure,and to explore the feasibility and necessity of the dissection.Methods:The dissection number and the metastasis number of gastrocolic lymph nodes in 96 patients with colon cancer on the hepatic flexure were analyzed retrospectively.The related factors affecting the lymph node metastasis of gastrocolonic ligament were analyzed.Results:Lymph node metastasis of gastrocolic ligament was found in 7 of 96 patients, and the metastasis rate was 7%. Metastasis was found in all three parts of gastrocolic lymph node. Gastrocolic lymph nodes metastasis were related to perineural invasion,tumor budding, N stage and intestinal obstruction (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The dissection of gastrocolic lymph node of hepatic flexure colon cancer is safe and feasible, and can provide more accurate pathological staging, which provides a basis for follow-up adjuvant therapy.