Estadiaje ganglionar en el adenocarcinoma gástrico / Lymph node stage in gastric adenocarcinoma

Resumen Objetivos: El sistema linfático del estómago es complejo y multidireccional, siendo difícil predecir el patrón de diseminación linfática en el adenocarcinoma (ADC) gástrico. Los objetivos de este trabajo son determinar si el analizar los grupos ganglionares de la pieza quirúrgica por separado tiene implicaciones en el estadiaje, además estudiar la afectación de diferentes grupos ganglionares. Materials y Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos de gastrectomía y linfadenectomía con intención curativa por ADC en un hospital de referencia (2017-2021).,_Se han comparado aquellos pacientes cuya pieza quirúrgica se estudió en su totalidad (grupo A) con aquellos en los que se separaron los grupos ganglionares para su análisis (grupo B). En el grupo B, se ha analizado la afectación ganglionar de diferentes grupos ganglionares en base a la localización tumoral y el estadio pT. Resultados: Se incluyeron 150 pacientes. La media de ganglios analizados fue significativamente mayor cuando se separaron los grupos ganglionares (grupo B) (24,01 respecto a 20,49). La afectación ganglionar fue del 45,8%, 58,3% y 55,5% en los tumores de tercio superior, medio e inferior respectivamente, y los grupos difirieron en base a la localización tumoral. El riesgo de afectación ganglionar fue significativamente mayor y hubo más grupos ganglionares perigástricos afectos cuanto mayor era el estadio pT. Conclusiones: Separar los grupos ganglionares previo a su análisis aumenta el número de ganglios analizados mejorando el estadiaje ganglionar. Existen diferentes rutas de drenaje linfático dependiendo de la localización tumoral y la afectación ganglionar aumenta de forma paralela al estadio pT.

Objectives: The lymphatic system of the stomach is complex and multidirectional, making it difficult to predict the pattern of lymphatic spread in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). The aim of this paper is to determine if analyzing the lymph node groups of the surgical specimen separately has implications in the pathological staging, as well as to study the involvement rate of different lymph node groups. Material and Method: Retrospective observational study of patients who underwent curative intent gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy for GAC in a reference hospital (2017-2021). Those patients whose surgical specimen was studied as a whole (group A) were compared with those in whom the lymph node groups were separated by surgeons before analysis (group B). In group B, the involvement of different lymph node groups was analyzed based on tumor location and pT stage. Results: 150 patients were included. The mean number of lymph nodes analyzed was significantly higher when the lymph node groups were separately analyzed (group B) (24.01 compared to 20.49). Lymph node involvement was 45.8%, 58.3%, and 55.5% in tumors of the upper, middle, and lower third, respectively, and the involved groups differed depending on the tumor location. The higher the pT stage was, the risk of lymph node involvement was significantly higher and there were more perigastric lymph node groups affected. Conclusions: Separating lymph node groups prior to their analysis increases the number of lymph nodes analyzed and therefore improves lymph node staging. There are different lymphatic drainage routes depending on the tumor location and lymph node involvement increases in parallel with the pT stage.

Linfadenectomía D3 por vía laparoscópica para cáncer de colon derecho / Laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer / Linfadenectomia D3 laparoscópica para câncer de cólon direito

El cáncer de colon es frecuente en nuestro medio. Aquellos situados sobre el colon derecho tienen peor pronóstico. La linfadenectomía D3 implica la resección de los ganglios centrales, por delante del eje mesentérico superior. Complementariamente, la escisión mesocolónica completa ha demostrado mejorar los resultados oncológicos.

Minimally invasive lymphocele drainage using the Da Vinci® single port platform: step-by- step technique

ABSTRACT Background: Reports in the literature describe lymphocele formation in up to half of patients following pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) (1) in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), with 1-2% requiring intervention (2). The advantage of surgical approach is permanent excision of the lymphocele capsule and fewer days with pelvic drains compared to percutaneous drainage. This study aims to describe the step-by-step surgical management of symptomatic lymphoceles using a less invasive robotic platform, the Da Vinci® Single Port (SP). Material and Methods: We describe the technique of lymphocelectomy and marsupialization with the Da Vinci® SP for symptomatic lymphocele. For this study, several treatment modalities for symptomatic lymphoceles were available, including percutaneous drainage, sclerosing agents, and surgical marsupialization. All the data for this study were obtained through the procedure via Da Vinci® SP. Results: Operative time for the case was 84 minutes. Blood loss was 25ml. No intra- or post- operative complications were reported. The patient had his drain removed in under 24 hours after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 7.7 months. There were no complications or lymphocele recurrence. Conclusion: Da Vinci® SP lymphocelectomy is safe and feasible with satisfactory outcomes. The SP enables definitive treatment of the lymphocele sac (3), reducing the number of days with abdominal drains and allows further decrease in surgical invasiveness with fewer incisions and better cosmesis.

Application of three-dimensional visualization technique in laparoscopic D3 radical resection of right colon cancer / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) visualization technique in laparoscopic D3 radical resection of right colon cancer.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 73 patients with right colon cancer undergoing laparoscopic D3 radical operation in our hospital between May, 2019 and March, 2021. Among these patients, 41 underwent enhanced CT examination with 3D visualization reconstruction to guide the actual operation, and 32 underwent enhanced CT examination only before the operation (control group). In 3D visualization group, we examined the coincidence rate between the 3D visualization model and the findings in surgical exploration of the anatomy and variations of the main blood vessels, supplying vessels of the tumor, and the tumor location, and the coincidence rate between the actual surgical plan for D3 radical resection of right colon cancer and the plan formulated based on the 3D model. The operative time, estimated blood loss, unexpected injury of blood vessels, number of harvested lymph nodes, mean time of the first flatus, complications, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative drainage volume were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The operative time was significantly shorter in 3D visualization group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The volume of blood loss, proportion of unexpected injury of blood vessel, the number of harvested lymph nodes, time of the first flatus, proportion of complications, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative drainage volume did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the 3D visualization group, the 3D visualization model clearly displayed the shape and direction of the colon, the location of the tumor, the anatomy and variation of the main blood vessels and the blood vessels supplying the cancer, and showed a coincidence rate of 100% with the findings by surgical exploration. The surgical plan for D3 radical resection of right colon cancer was formulated based on the 3D model also showed a coincidence rate of 100% with the actual surgical plan.@*CONCLUSION@#The 3D visualization reconstruction technique allows clear visualization the supplying arteries of the tumor and their variations to improve the efficiency, safety and accuracy of laparoscopic D3 radical resection of right colon cancer.

Clinical controversy and research thoughts on lymphadenectomy of gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Lymphadenectomy, as one of the controversial foci in clinic, is an extremely important part of radical surgery for gastric cancer. So far, the preliminary consensus has been reached on the scope and number of lymph node dissection, based on the etiological mechanism, disease progression, diagnosis and treatment prognosis of gastric cancer. At present, some clinical issues of lymphadenectomy in curative gastrectomy are still need to be addressed. Firstly, standardized procedure in lymph node dissection for gastric cancer is a prerequisite to decrease the incidence of postoperative complications and to improve the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, the plausible treatment strategy in perioperative phase is also deemed as the other key method to offer a benefit of survival rate for advanced stage patients after lymphadenectomy. Last but not least, the technologies for enhancement the prediction accuracy of lymph node metastasis preoperatively or intraoperatively should be worthy in-depth study.

"Two spaces" lateral lymph node dissection based on fascia anatomy for low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

As a treatment of rectal cancer, lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) is still a controversial issue. The argument against LLND is that the procedure is complicated, and consequently results in a high incidence of postoperative urogenital dysfunction. The surgical modality from fascia to space is adopted by lateral lymph node dissection in "two spaces". This operation has significant advantages of clear location of nerves and blood vessels and simplified surgical procedures, so the surgical procedure can be repeated and modulated. The fascia propria of the rectum, urogenital fascia, vesicohypogastric fascia and parietal fascia constitute the dissection plane for lateral lymph node dissection.Two spaces refer to Latzko's pararectal space and paravesical space. During the establishment of fascia plane, the dissection of external iliac lymph node (No.293), commoniliac lymph node (No.273) and abdominal aortic bifurcation lymph node (No.280) can be performed. While in the "space" dissection, internal iliac lymph node (No.263), obturator lymph node (No.283), lateral sacral lymph node (No.260) and median sacral lymph node (No.270) can be removed. LD2 or LD3 lateral lymph node dissection prescribed by the Japanese Society of Colorectal Cancer can be completed according to the needs of the disease. This article describes the anatomical basis and standardized surgical procedures.

Standardization in performing regional lymph node dissection for rectum and sigmoid colon cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Tumor spreading through the lymphatic drainage is an important metastatic pathway for rectum and sigmoid colon carcinoma. Regional lymph node dissection, as an important part of radical resection of colorectal cancer, is the main way for patients with colorectal cancer to achieve radical resection and acquire tumor-free survival. The regional lymph nodes of sigmoid cancer include paracolic lymph nodes, intermediate lymph nodes, and central lymph nodes locating at the root of blood vessel, and radical surgery should include lymph node dissection at the above three stations. The lymphatic pathways of metastasis for rectal cancer include longitudinal metastasis within the mesorectum and lateral metastasis beyond the mesorectum. The standard surgical method of rectal cancer is total mesorectal excision (TME) at present, and the resection range includes the metastatic lymph nodes within the mesorectum through the longitudinal pathway. However, there are many different opinions about lateral lymph node dissection(LLND) aiming at the metastatic lymph nodes locating at the lateral space of rectum. The range of lymph node dissection for rectum and sigmoid cancer is a vital factor that determines the prognosis of patients. Insufficient range of dissection can lead to residual metastatic lymph nodes and have serious impacts on the prognosis of patients. Excessive range of dissection can result in greater surgical trauma, prolonged operation time, more blood loss, and higher rate of complication without oncological benefits. Individualizating the appropriate resection range of rectum and sigmoid colon cancer on the basis of standardization and according to the clinical stage and invasion range of tumor demonstrates great significance of ensuring the radical operation, reducing trauma, promoting rehabilitation, protecting the function and improving the prognosis.

Medial border of D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The extent of D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer, especially the medial border of central lymph node dissection remains controversial. D3 lymphadenectomy and complete mesocolon excision (CME) are two standard procedures for locally advanced right colon carcinoma. D3 lymphadenectomy determines the medial border according to the distribution of the lymph nodes. The mainstream medial border should be the left side of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) according to the definition of D3, but there are also some reports that regards the left side of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as the medial border. In contrast, the CME procedure emphasizes the beginning of the colonic mesentery and the left side of SMA should be considered as the medial border. Combined with the anatomical basis, oncological efficacy and technical feasibility of D3 lymph node dissection, we think that it is safe and feasible to take the left side of SMA as the medial boundary of D3 lymph node dissection. This procedure not only takes into account the integrity of mesangial and regional lymph node dissection, but also dissects more distant lymph nodes at risk of metastasis. It has its anatomical basis and potential oncological advantages. However, at present, this technical concept is still in the exploratory stage in practice, and the related clinical evidence is not sufficient.

Splenic flexure cancer: surgical procedures and extent of lymphadenectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Splenic flexure colon cancer occurs at a relatively lower rate than colon cancer of other sites. It is also associated with more advanced disease and higher rate of acute obstruction. The splenic flexure receives blood supply from both superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (SMA and IMA), and therefore has lymphatic drainage to both areas. The blood supply is also highly variable, causing difficulties in determining the main feeding vessels and the main direction of lymph drainage. Few studies with limited cases focused on this specific tumor site with respect to the patterns of lymph node spread, especially the main lymph node status and the value of its dissection. The lack of information limits the development of a consensus on the extent of surgical resection and lymphadenectomy. Adequate mobilization of the colon facilitates a sufficient length of bowel resection and the high ligation of feeding arteries from both SMA and IMA. Further evidence on the chnoice of procedures and the extent of lymph node dissection need multicenter collaboration, with the use of modern techniques, including CT 3D reconstruction of the colon and angiography, as well as intraoperative fluorescent real-time imaging of lymph nodes.

Application value and difficulty analysis of fluorescence laparoscopy in lymphadenectomy of gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Gastric cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies, and the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer remain high in China. In recent years, with the rapid popularization of laparoscopic technology, fluorescent laparoscopic technology is increasingly getting mature, providing a new method for accurate clinical tracing of lymph nodes and prediction of tumor metastasis lymph nodes. A large number of scientific research experiments and clinical trials have shown that, laparoscopic lymph node diagnosis technology based on the fluorescent indocyanine green (ICG) can significantly improve the efficiency of lymphadenectomy and prediction accuracy of lymph node metastasis, and can reveal a more accurate scope of lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer for surgeons, so as to avoid excessive adenectomy as well as iatrogenic injuries on patients. Although the status of the technology in gastric cancer surgery mentioned above continues improving, the overall operation process details of ICG fluorescence imaging, standardized fluorescence detecting equipment, and postoperative pathological examination process still need to be further optimized.

Location of inferior mesentery artery ligation in rectal cancer surgery: how to make decisions based on available evidence / 中华胃肠外科杂志

There are still controversies as to the location of ligating the inferior mesenteric artery and the central lymph node dissection during rectal cancer surgery. The reason is that the level of evidence in this area is low. Existing studies are mostly retrospective, analyses or small-sample randomized controlled trials. These results showed no significant differences between high-ligation and low-ligation, in terms of anastomotic leakage and other short-term postoperative complications. Low-ligation seems better for the recovery of postoperative genitourinary function. Due to the low rate of central lymph node metastasis and many other confounding factors that affect the survival rate, it is difficult to conclude the survival benefits of ligation site or central node dissection. It is necessary to carry out some targeted, well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials to explain the related issues of inferior mesenteric artery ligation site and extent of central lymphadenectomy.

Dissection borders of laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction and the quality control / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy is indicated for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG), while the laparoscopic procedure shows some advantages. According to previous studies and results of IDEAL phase 2a study in our institute, the following structures are recommended as the dissection borders: the upper (cranial) is inferior wall of pericardium and pulmonary ligament; the lower (caudal) is diaphragm hiatus (esophagogastric junction); the front (ventral) is anterior inferior wall of pericardium and diaphragm; the back (dorsal) is anterior wall of aorta; the lateral is mediastinal pleura. The standard of quality control is still under investigation.

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and lymph node resection in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The proportion of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) in gastric cancer is gradually increasing. Due to the unique anatomical structure and biological characteristics of the tumor at this site, AEG has a certain degree of complexity in many aspects of diagnosis and treatment, which brings difficulties to the operation method, the selection of the resection range, the lymph node dissection and the treatment decision-making. Therefore, AEG has always been the focus of academic debate. With the development of minimally invasive surgery in recent years, laparoscopic technology has been increasingly mature and widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. Compared with distal gastric cancer, the minimally invasive treatment of AEG is in a lagging state, and there are also a series of problems that have not yet reached a consensus. This article reviews and summarizes the recent research progress in two aspects: proximal gastrectomy for AEG and lymph node dissection. Laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy is safe for early proximal gastric cancer and has a long-term survival outcome not inferior to total gastrectomy, but the surgical indications must be strictly selected. Abdominal lymph node metastasis of AEG is mainly in group 1, 2, 3, and 7, and mediastinal lymph node metastasis is closely related to the length of the infiltrated esophagus. The abdominal transhiatal (TH) approach can obtain a sufficient number of harvested lymph node, and has good safety and efficacy, which is the first-choice of surgical approach for early AEG. The results of the CLASS-10 clinical trial can provide a higher level of evidence for laparoscopic mediastinal lymph node dissection. Laparoscopic surgery for AEG should be carried out in experienced medical center based on clinical research.

Retropharyngeal lymph node dissection in head and neck cancers treated with transoral robotic surgery / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To evaluate the indications, safety, feasibility, and surgical technique for patients with head and neck cancers undergoing transoral robotic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) dissection. Methods: The current study enrolled 12 consecutive head and neck cancer patients (seven males and four females) who underwent transoral robotic RPLN dissection with the da Vinci surgical robotic system at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from May 2019 to July 2020. Seven patients were diagnosed as nasopharyngeal carcinoma with RPLN metastasis after initial treatments, 4 patients were diagnosed as thyroid carcinoma with RPLN metastasis after initial treatments, and one patient was diagnosed as oropharyngeal carcinoma with RPLN metastasis before initial treatments. The operation procedure and duration time, intraoperative blood loss volume and complications, nasogastric feeding tube dependence, tracheostomy dependence, postoperative complications, and hospitalization time were recorded and analyzed. Results: All patients were successfully treated by transoral robotic dissection of the metastatic RPLNs, none of which was converted to open surgery. RPLNs were completely resected in 10 patients, and partly resected in 2 patients (both were nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients). The mean number of RPLN dissected was 1.7. The operation duration time and intraoperative blood loss volume were (191.3±101.1) min and (150.0±86.6) ml, respectively. There was no severe intraoperative complication such as massive haemorrhage or adjacent organ injury during surgery. Nasogastric tube use was required in all patients with (17.1±10.6) days of dependence, while tracheotomy was performed in 8 patients with (11.6±10.7) days of dependence. The postoperative hospitalization stay was (8.5±5.7) days. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients, including 2 of retropharyngeal incision and 2 of dysphagia. During a follow-up of (6.5±5.1) months, disease-free progression was observed in all patients, 10 patients were disease-free survival and other 2 patients were survival with tumor burden. Conclusions: The transoral robotic RPLN dissection is safety and feasible. Compared with the traditional open surgical approach, it is less traumatic and safer, has fewer complications and good clinical application potentiality. The indications for transoral robotic RPLN dissection include thyroid carcinoma, oropharyngeal carcinoma, and some selected nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other head and neck cancers. Metastatic RPLNs from some nasopharyngeal carcinoma with incomplete capsule, unclear border and adhesion to the surrounding vessels are not suitable for transoral robotic RPLN dissection.

Identification and preservation of arm lymphatics in axillary lymph node dissection to prevent arm lymphedema: a single center randomized controlled trial / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of identification and preservation of arm lymphatics (DEPART) in axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for breast cancer to prevent arm lymphedema. Methods: A randomized controlled study method was used. Two hundred and sixty-five patients who underwent breast cancer surgery at the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from November 2017 to June 2018 were included, and the patients were randomly divided into ALND+ DEPART group (132 patients) and standard ALND group (133 patients) by random number table method. In the ALND+ DEPART group, indocyanine green and methylene blue were injected as tracers before surgery, and the arm sentinel nodes was visualized by staged tracing during intraoperative dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Partial frozen sections were made of arm lymph nodes >1 cm in length and hard and suspicious of metastasis, and arm lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels were selectively preserved. Patients in the standard ALND group underwent standard ALND. Objective and subjective indexes of arm lymphedema were evaluated by 5-point circumference measurement and Norman questionnaire. Results: Among 132 breast cancer patients in the ALND+ DEPART group, 121 (91.7%) completed DEPART. There were no statistically significant differences in age, body mass index, pathological type, dissection number of axillary lymph node, N stage, TNM stage, molecular typing, and regional radiotherapy between the ALND+ DEPART and standard ALND groups (P>0.05). At a median follow-up of 24 months, assessment by the 5-point circumference measurement showed that the incidence rates of lymphedema in the ALND+ DEPART and standard ALND groups were 5.0% (6/121) and 15.8% (21/133), respectively, with statistically significant differences (P=0.005). Assessment by the Norman questionnaire showed that the incidence rates of lymphedema in the ALND+ DEPART and standard ALND groups were 5.8% (7/121) and 21.8% (29/133), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). No local regional recurrence was observed in either group during the follow-up period. Conclusion: For breast cancer patients with positive axillary lymph nodes, the administration of DEPART during ALND can reduce or avoid the occurrence of arm lymphedema without compromising oncology safety.

Research progress of sentinel lymph node biopsy technique in cervical cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignant carcinoma in Chinese women, which seriously threatens women's health. Lymph node metastasis is the most important factor affecting the prognosis and adjuvant treatment of patients with early cervical cancer. Conventional systematic lymphadenectomy has always been a reliable method to detect lymph node metastasis. However, this procedure may affect the quality of life of patients because of high risks of complications. Recently, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been researched aiming to assess the status of pelvic lymph node metastasis intraoperatively, avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomy and achieve the goal of individualized diagnosis and treatment. Exploring efficient tracing methods and pathological ultra-staging is the key to the clinical application of SLNB for cervical cancer, and understanding the latest relevant clinical research progress will help SLNB to be applied in the clinic as soon as possible to benefit patients with cervical cancer.

Chinese experts consensus on standardized surgical management of specimens from radical gastrectomy (2022 edition) / 中华胃肠外科杂志

In the standardized diagnosis and treatment process of advanced gastric cancer, there is a unappreciated key link between standard radical surgery and accurate pathological reports. That is, the process of dissection, fixation, sampling and recording of the specimen by the surgeons, starting from specimen isolation to the management of the pathologist. Standardizing this process can not only accurately reflect the detailed distribution and exact number of lymph nodes, but also clarify the pathological stage of gastric cancer, so as to make adjuvant treatment plans. Moreover, it can also reflect the scope of intraoperative lymph node dissection to ensure the standardized implementation of surgery, including the overall dissection principle (en bloc resection), and therefore can provide a solid foundation for later related researches. So far, there is still a lack of complete and unified standard for the surgical management of specimens after radical gastrectomy in China. On the basis of the relevant researches and clinical practice about specimen management at home and abroad, the Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, in the name of the Gastric Cancer Professional Committee, Chinese Anticancer Association, as well as the Oncogastroenterology Professional Committee, Chinese Anticancer Association, organized dozens of experts to formulate a consensus on the standardized surgical management of specimens after repeated discussions and revisions for two years. This consensus is aimed to standardize the preparations, basic requirements and sample processing procedures before the surgical treatment of postoperative specimens after a radical surgery for gastric cancer patients, including the processing time of specimens, the processing and data archiving of gastric specimens, and lymph node grouping, sorting and fine sorting records, etc and with the purpose of standardizing the surgical treatment of postoperative specimens on the basis of standardized diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, in order to further promote the high-quality development of gastric cancer surgery in China.

Similarities and differences between D3 lymphadenectomy and complete mesocolic excision of right hemicolonectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

D3 lymphadenectomy and complete mesocolic excision (CME) for colon cancer, which have been introduced to China for more than 10 years, are two major surgical principles worldwide. However, there are still many different opinions and misunderstandings about the core principles of D3 and CME, especially the similarities and differences between them. However, few articles have been published to discuss these issues specifically. Domestic scholars' understandings about D3 lymphadenectomy and CME for right hemicolectomy are quite different. Two different concepts including "D3/CME" and "D3+CME" have become mainstream views. The former equate D3 with CME and the latter seems to regard them as totally different principles. There is no consensus on which one is more reasonable. Therefore, this article aims to discuss the similarities and differences between D3 and CME for right hemicolectomy in perspectives of the theoretical background, surgical principles, extent of surgery and oncological outcomes. We believed that D3 and CME do not belong to the same concept, and that the scope of CME surgery for right-sided colon cancer is greater than and includes the scope of D3 surgery, and that D3 and CME are not complementary.

Higher cut-offs for the number of lymph nodes harvested do not predict better prognosis in patients with colon cancer / Pontos de corte mais altos para o número de linfonodos coletados não predizem melhor prognóstico em pacientes com câncer de cólon

ABSTRACT Background Current threshold for minimum lymph node harvest may not be adequate for appropriate staging in colon cancer and newer surgical techniques may allow more lymph nodes to be harvested. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic role of harvesting and examining lymph nodes higher in number than the recommended threshold (≥12), in patients with colon cancer. Methods This retrospective study included 179 patients that underwent open colon resection for adenocarcinoma of the colon. A D3 resection with high vascular ligation was made so that large number of lymph nodes was removed in most patients. Differences in overall survival between below and above three cutoff points (≥18, ≥24, ≥40) were estimated. Results During median 33 months of follow-up, 45 patients died and mean overall survival was 108.7 ± 5.6 months (95% CI, 97.7-119.7). The mean number of lymph nodes harvested and examined was 44.0 ± 25.7 (median 38; range, 7-150). No significant effect was found for three different cut-off values (≥18, ≥24, or ≥40 nodes) on mean overall survival (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). The same was true for the whole study population as well as for N0 (N negative) and N1-2 (N positive) patient subgroups, when they are analyzed separately. Conclusions Our findings do not support the survival benefit of substantially higher number of lymph nodes harvested in colon cancer.

RESUMO Fundamento: O limite atual para a coleta mínima de linfonodos pode não ser adequado para o estadiamento adequado no câncer de cólon e novas técnicas cirúrgicas podem permitir que um número maior de linfonodos seja coletado. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o papel prognóstico da coleta e exame de linfonodos em número maior do que o limite recomendado (≥ 12), em pacientes com câncer de cólon. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu 179 pacientes submetidos à ressecção aberta de cólon para adenocarcinoma de cólon. A ressecção D3 com ligadura vascular alta foi realizada para que um grande número de linfonodos fosse removido na maioria dos pacientes. As diferenças na sobrevida global entre abaixo e acima de três pontos de corte (≥ 18, ≥ 24, ≥ 40) foram estimadas. Resultados: Durante a mediana de 33 meses de seguimento, 45 pacientes morreram e a sobrevida global média foi de 108,7 ± 5,6 meses (IC 95%: 97,7-119,7). O número médio de linfonodos coletados e examinados foi de 44,0 ± 25,7 (mediana = 38; variação: 7-150). Nenhum efeito significativo foi encontrado para três valores de corte diferentes (≥ 18, ≥ 24 ou ≥ 40 linfonodos) na sobrevida global média (p >0,05 para todas as comparações). O mesmo foi verdadeiro para toda a população do estudo, bem como para os subgrupos de pacientes N0 (N negativos) e N1-2 (N positivos), quando analisados separadamente. Conclusões: Nossos achados não apoiam o benefício na sobrevida de um número substancialmente maior de linfonodos coletados no câncer de cólon.

Valor de la linfadenectomía mediastinal en la cirugía del cáncer pulmonar / The Value of Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy in Lung Cancer Surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: La evaluación del mediastino en los pacientes que reciben tratamiento quirúrgico por cáncer del pulmón tiene sus orígenes en la necesidad de definir la extensión anatómica de cada estación nodal, lo cual es indispensable para la categorización patológica de los nódulos linfáticos. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la linfadenectomía mediastinal en el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer pulmonar. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico de carácter prospectivo en el período comprendido entre enero de 2015 al 31 de agosto de 2018. El universo estuvo conformado por 96 pacientes con algún tipo de linfadenectomía mediastinal en el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer pulmonar dentro del período señalado. Se utilizaron métodos estadísticos, teóricos y empíricos. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 58,69 ± 9,343, el sexo masculino fue el más afectado y el adenocarcinoma el tipo histológico que predominó. La etapa clínica y patológica mayoritaria fue la III A y la lobectomía superior derecha la intervención más realizada. Se efectuaron un total de 76 disecciones ganglionares sistemáticas, seguidas por 18 muestreos ganglionares y 2 biopsias. Las linfadenectomías realizadas provocaron cambios de estadios en 46 pacientes. El análisis del valor predictivo positivo y negativo, así como de la sensibilidad y la especificidad fueron altos, así como las complicaciones escasas. Conclusiones: La linfadenectomía mediastinal como parte del tratamiento quirúrgico en el cáncer pulmonar constituye un pilar fundamental en la estadificación patológica del TNM, al mostrar una exactitud diagnóstica alta(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Evaluation of the mediastinum in patients receiving surgical treatment for lung cancer has its origins in the need to define the anatomical extension of each node station, which is essential for the pathological categorization of lymph nodes. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of mediastinal lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of lung cancer. Methods: A prospective and analytical study was carried out in the period from January 2015 to August 31, 2018. The universe consisted of 96 patients with some type of mediastinal lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of lung cancer within the indicated period. Statistical, theoretical and empirical methods were used. Results: The average age was 58.69 ± 9.343. The male sex was the most affected. Adenocarcinoma was the histological type that predominated. The most manifested clinical and pathological stage was III A. Right upper lobectomy was the most performed intervention. A total of 76 systematic lymph node dissections were performed, followed by 18 lymph node samples and two biopsies. The lymphadenectomies performed caused stage changes in 46 patients. The analysis of positive and negative predictive value, as well as sensitivity and specificity, were high. There were few complications. Conclusions: Mediastinal lymphadenectomy as part of the surgical treatment in lung cancer constitutes a fundamental procedure for the pathological staging of TNM, as it shows high diagnostic accuracy(AU)