RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the significance and surgical skill for lymphadenectomy around common hepatic artery in gastric cancer.Methods Two hundred and fifty-seven cases with undergoing lymphadenectomy around common hepatic artery in gastric cancer between January 2001 and December 2006 were retrospectively reviewed.Experiences and understanding of dealing with this procedure in curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer were concluded.Results The number of dissected No.8 lymph node was 2.2?1.7,and the positive rate of No.8 lymph node was 30.35%.There were no lymphadenectomy related complications,such as anastomotic leakage,lymphatic fistula and postoperative hemorrhage in this series.Dissection around common hepatic artery lymph nodes along artery intrathecal space,division and ligation of left gastric vein at its root,and sufficient exposure of anatomic structures were important to dissection lymph nodes around the common hepatic artery.The exposure of anatomic structures included liberation of common hepatic artery by traction with the band,and the exposure of posterior side of pancreas by Kocher incision.Conclusion Being familiar with the anatomy around common hepatic artery,careful dissection,and attention to the surgical skill of lymphadenectomy are very important to improve the effectiveness of lymphadenectomy around common hepatic artery in gastric cancer.