[Extent of lymphadenectomy for local advanced gastric cancer in the era of perioperative treatment and minimally invasive surgery]

Abstract

The standard lymphadenectomy (D2) is the most important quality control index for the surgical treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). It is debatable whether there is a survival benefit of extended lymphadenectomy beyond D2 dissection. Para-aortic lymph nodes are not included in the range of D2 lymph node dissection. However, the patients with para-aortic node metastasis can get better survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and D2+ surgery. Lymph nodes along the superior mesenteric vein (No.14v) are considered as regional nodes, and the prognosis of patients with No.14v metastasis treated with D2+ lymph node dissection is significantly better than that of stage Ⅳ patients undergoing only D2 dissection. No.14v was not included in the D2 lymph node dissection paradigm. In case with nodal metastases in No.6 group, D2+ dissection is recommended. Lymph nodes at the splenic hilum (No.10) are not included in the range of D2 dissection, when the tumor infiltrates the greater curvature of the stomach, D2+ splenectomy or No.10 nodal dissection should be performed. Lymph nodes on the posterior surface of pancreatic head (No.13) do not belong to the D2 range, but the rate of metastasis is significantly higher when distal gastric cancer invades the duodenum, D2+ lymphadenectomy is recommended. Lymph node dissection in the posterior group of the common hepatic artery (No.8p) can improve the patient's long-term survival, but there is no support from of evidence-based medicine. In the era of perioperative treatment and minimally invasive surgery in China, open or laparoscopic D2 lymphadenectomy is recommended for cT3-4N1M0 patients and SOX neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus D2 surgery plus SOX adjuvant chemotherapy should be carried out for patients with cT3-4N2-4M0. Depending on the patient's condition and the experience of the surgical team, open or laparoscopic surgery can be performed.

Keywords: D2 radical operation; Extent of lymphadenectomy; Stomach neoplasms, locally advanced.