Appropriate approach for laparoscopic lymph node dissection of advanced gastric cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

ABSTRACT

Since its first application for radical gastrectomy, laparoscopic surgical technique has been used for almost 20 years. Howev-er, given the complexity of the anatomic plane and vessels of stomach and the particular operation of laparoscopic instruments, lapa-roscopic lymph node dissection is still a difficult technique that requires experience. An appropriate approach is the key point to the success of laparoscopic lymph node dissection. On the basis of lymphatic drainage routes and anatomy of perigastric lymphatic sys-tem, different approaches are selected to dissect periodic gastric lymph nodes safely and radically. Surgery is performed according to the patient's position, surgeons' stance, and sequence of lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic gastrectomy and lymph node areas, such as suprapancreatic, cardial, and splenic hilar areas. In this article, we introduce different surgical approaches of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy to provide information for surgeons who want to perform this surgery.