Long-term prognosis and significance of the sentinel lymph node in head and neck melanoma. Parrett BM, Kashani-Sabet M, Singer MI, et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg,2012 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print]
Objective： To discuss if the sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsy is able to reflect the status of the axillary lymph node and the application of this technic in clinic. Methods： Using^ 99mTc-signed dextran, SLN-biop...Objective： To discuss if the sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsy is able to reflect the status of the axillary lymph node and the application of this technic in clinic. Methods： Using^ 99mTc-signed dextran, SLN-biopsy （SLNB） was carried out in 182 cases with breast cancer during May 1999 to September 2006. During the operation, y-detector was used for orientation. After the SLNB, a modified radical mastectomy or breast conserving surgery were carried out to the patients, then a particular separate pathological examination of the SLN was made. Results： 178 cases of SLNB were carried out successfully, and the success rate was 97.8%, the out-checked SLN of each case ranged from 1 to 4, with an average of 2.5. All SLN was located at the first level of axilla, sensitivity of the SLN B was 93.4%, specificity was 100%, false negative rate was 6.6%, false positive rate was 0, accuracy was 97.8%, positive predictive value was 100.0%, negative predictive value was 96.7%, and Youden＇s index was 0.934. Immunohistochemical examination was carried out in 59 cases of SLN, and 14 cases showed the existences of micro-metastasis, however, metastasis had not been found in non-SLN of these cases. Conclusion： SLN is able to reflect the metastasis of the axillary lymph node, and this can suggest the necessity of the axillary dissection in clinic. The SLNB using the isotope-tracer technic is simple and accurate.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the distribution pathway of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in middle third gastric carci-noma, as the foundation for rational lymphadenectomy. Methods: 52 cases of middle third tumors with solita...Objective: To investigate the distribution pathway of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in middle third gastric carci-noma, as the foundation for rational lymphadenectomy. Methods: 52 cases of middle third tumors with solitary lymph nodes from 1852 gastric carcinomas were selected. The locations and histological types of metastatic lymph nodes were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of 52 solitary node metastases cases, 37 were limited to perigastric nodes (N1), while 15 with skipping metastasis. In the 35 cases with tumor of lesser curvature, there were 17 cases found lymph nodes of the lesser curvature side (No. 3), 5 cases involved lymph nodes of the greater curvature (No. 4), and 8 cases with lymph nodes of the left gastric artery (No. 7). In the 17 cases with tumor of greater curvature, 7 cases spread to No. 4, while 3 metastasized to lymph nodes of the spleen hilum (No. 10). The difference of the histological types in groups N1 and over N1, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Adjacent metastasis formed the primary distribution pattern of SLN in middle third gastric carcinoma, transversal and skipping metastases being also notable.展开更多
Sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） is now an establishedtechnique in penile and pelvic cancers, resulting in alower mortality and morbidity when compared withthe traditional lymph node dissection. In renal cancer how...Sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） is now an establishedtechnique in penile and pelvic cancers, resulting in alower mortality and morbidity when compared withthe traditional lymph node dissection. In renal cancer however, despite some early successes for the SLNB technique, paucity of data remains a problem, thus lymph node dissection and extended lymph node dissection remain the management of choice in clinically node positive patients, with surveillance of lymph nodes in those who are clinically node negative. SLNB is a rapidly evolving technique and the introduction of new techniques such as near infra-red fuorescence optical imaging agents and positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans, may improve sensitivity. Evidence in support of this has already been recorded in bladder and prostate cancer.Although the lack of large multi-centre studies and issues around false negativity currently prevent its widespread use, with evolving techniques improving accuracy and the support of large-scale studies, SLNB does have the potential to become an integral part of staging in renal malignancy.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To assess the significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB）, serial section and cytokeratin immunohistochemical staining in the diagnosis and staging of Stage-cNO oral squamous cell carcinoma （OSCC）,...OBJECTIVE To assess the significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB）, serial section and cytokeratin immunohistochemical staining in the diagnosis and staging of Stage-cNO oral squamous cell carcinoma （OSCC）, METHODS A blue stain, 99mTc-dextran SPECT lymphoscintigrapgy and intraoperative y-ray probes were used to examine the sentinel nodes in 31 cases with Stage-oNO oral cancer, The H＆E staining and a cytokeratin AE1/ AE3 immunohistochemistry （IHC） assessment, with serial sections, were conducted to provide results obtained from a routine pathological examination of lymph nodes, The value of the routine pathological examination of the sentinel lymph node （SLN）, serial sections and IHC determination for cervical lymph node metastasis of Stage-cN0 OSCC was appraised, RESULTS A total of 45, 55 and 51 SLNs were examined in 25 （80%）, 31 （100%） and 30 （96,5%） of the cases, by using the blue stain, y-ray probes, and SPECT lymphoscintigraphy, respectively, The average SLNs found in each case of the groups was 1,4 （1 to 3） and there were 1,302 non-NSLNs, Six positive SLN metastases were detected by routine pathological examination, among which 1 case was found to be an accompanied positive metastasis of non-SLN, One positive SLN metastasis was found after examination of serial sections plus routine H＆E staining and 2 were detected using serial sections plus AE3 immunohistochemical staining methods, No positive NSLNs were found in the study, CONCLUSION In order to make more progress in accurate SLNB diagnosis, serial sections and IHC （AE1/AE3） methods can be used for examination of the micrometastases which are difficult to identify by routine pathological sections and H＆E staining.展开更多
Sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsies are a sensitive tool in evaluating lymph nodes for multiple cancers, and in some diseases they decrease morbidity in both the short- and long-term. SLN detection in gynecologic mal...Sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsies are a sensitive tool in evaluating lymph nodes for multiple cancers, and in some diseases they decrease morbidity in both the short- and long-term. SLN detection in gynecologic malignancies has been studied extensively over the past decade. We review the current literature on SLN dissection in vulvar, endometrial and cervical cancers. Large, well-designed trials in each of the three types of cancer have demonstrated high sensitivity and low false-negative rates when SLN biopsy is performed in the correct patients and with an appropriate technical approach. In all of these cases the addition of ultra-staging to conventional pathology yields increased detection of micrometastatic disease. Biopsy of the sentinel nodes is feasible and safe in early vulvar malignancies, with multiple studies describing low recurrence rates in those women who have with negative SLNs. There does not appear to be a survival benefit to lymphadenectomy over SLN biopsy and quality of life is improved in women undergoing SLN biopsy. Optimal treatment strategies for women with positive nodal biopsies, particularly in cases with micrometastatic disease, remain unclear. Multiple large studies investigating the utility of SLN biopsy in endometrial malignancy have found that sentinel nodal status is a reliable predictor of metastases in women with low-risk disease. Prospective studies are ongoing and suggest sentinel nodal detection may soon become widely accepted as an alternative standard of care for select cases of endometrial cancer. In cervical cancer, SLN biopsy is accurate for diagnosing metastatic disease in early stage tumors （≤ 2 cm diameter or stage ≤ IB2） where the risk of metastasis is low. It is unknown if women who undergo SLN biopsy alone will have different survival outcomes than women who undergo complete lymphadenectomy in these cases. In a specific population of women with vulvar cancer, SLN dissection is an effective and safe alternative to complete dissection. It can be offered as an alternative management strategy in these women. In women who do undergo SLN biopsy, it is associated with improved quality of life. Promising evidence supporting the utility of SLN dissection in endometrial and cervical cancer continues to emerge, and it may soon become a reasonable option for select patients. However, continued research and refnement of appropriate patient selection and long-term follow-up are necessary.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of intra-operativedetection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in the patient withendometrial cancer (EC).METHODS Thirty-one patients with Stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ endometrialcancer, who underw...OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of intra-operativedetection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in the patient withendometrial cancer (EC).METHODS Thirty-one patients with Stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ endometrialcancer, who underwent a hysterectomy and a lymphadenectomy,were enrolled in the study. At laparotomy, methylene blue dyetracer was injected into the subserosal myometrium of corpusuteri at multiple sites, and dye uptake into the lymphatic channelswas observed. The blue nodes which were identified as SLNs weretraced and excised. The other nodes were then removed. All of theexcised nodes were submitted for pathological hematoxylin andeosin (H&E) staining examination.RESULTS Failure of dye uptake occurred in 4 of the 31 cases(12.9%) because of spillage, and no lymphatic coloration wasobserved there. Lymphatic staining was clearly observable as bluedye diffused to the lymphatic channels of the uterine surface andthe infundibulopelvic ligaments in 27 (87.1%) cases. Concurrentcoloration in the pelvic lymphatic vessels was also observed in 22of the 27 patients. The SLNs were identified in 23 of the 27 (85.2%)cases with a lymphatic staining, with a total number of 90 SLNs,and a mean of 3.9 in each case (range, 1-10). Besides one SLN (1.1%)in the para-aortic area, the other 89 (98.9%) were in the nodes ofthe pelvis. The most dense locations of SLNs included obturator in38 (42.2%) and interiliac in 19 (21.1%) cases. In our group, pelviclymphadenectomy was conducted in 27 (87.1%) patients andpelvic nodal sampling in 4 (12.9%). Of the 31 cases, a concurrentabdominal para-aortic lymph node sampling was conducted in7. A total of 926 nodes were harvested, with an average of 39.8 ineach case (range, 14-55). Nodal metastases occurred in 3 patients(9.7%), 2 of them with SLN involvement and the other withoutSLN involvement. Adverse reactions or injury related to the studywas not found.CONCLUSION Application of methylene blue dye is feasible inan intra-operative SLN identification of endometrial cancer. Thetechnology is convenient, safe, and worth further investigation.展开更多
OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection by lympho- scintigraphy and gamma ray detecting probe (GDP) and to assess the value of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining combin...OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection by lympho- scintigraphy and gamma ray detecting probe (GDP) and to assess the value of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining combined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) analys is for detecting micrometastasis in lymph nodes (LNs). METHODS: Forty-two patients with breast cancer were included in this study. (99)Tc(m)-dextran was injected peritumourally. Lymphoscintigraphy images were obtained in anterior and lateral views. SLNs were removed with the aid of GDP during surgery. A standard axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) dissection was performed. All lymph nodes were first analyzed by HE staining. When all of the SLNs in a patient were negative, the ALNs were subjected to additional HE staining combined with IHC analysis. RESULTS: SLNs were successfully detected and removed in 39 (92.9%) of the 42 patients. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of SLN biopsy were 92.9% (13 in 14), 100% (25 in 25) and 97.4% (38 in 39) respectively. Additional HE staining combined with IHC analysis of the ALNs detected micrometastasis in 3 SLNs (2 cases), but there were no positives in the non-sentinal lymph nodes (NSLNs). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that lymphoscintigraphy and GDP may be used to detect SLN. Additional HE staining combined with IHC analysis of the ALNs may help predict micrometastasis. Biopsy of SLN may be an accurate method for staging breast cancer.展开更多
Objective： To explore the feasibility and clinical value of secondary sentinel lymph node （SSLN） tracing technique in radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer （AGC）. Methods： From January 2009 to June 201...Objective： To explore the feasibility and clinical value of secondary sentinel lymph node （SSLN） tracing technique in radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer （AGC）. Methods： From January 2009 to June 2011,247 patients who suffered from gastric angle cancer with metastasis in No. 3 group lymph nodes were divided randomly into groups A and B. Methylthioninium chloride was injected into the peripheral tissue of the metastatic No. 3 group lymph nodes of 138 patients in group A before tumor resections. SSLNs were traced and individual lymphadenectomies were carried out based on the biopsy results of the SSLNs. Standard D2 radical gastrectomies were carried out directly on 109 patients in group B. Postoperative follow-up and survival analysis were carried out for patients in both groups. Results： SSLNs were found in 114 （82.6%） patients in group A. Ninety of those patients （78.9%） demonstrated existing metastasis in SSLNs. According to Kaplan-Meier＇s method, the postoperative 3-year cumulative survival rates were 63.5% and 47.5%, and the median survival time were 40 and 36 months for the patients of groups A and B, respectively （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： The SSLN tracing technique is feasible in radical gastrectomy for AGC. It gives surgeons important information about the terminal status of lymph node metastasis and provides some scientific basis for individual lymphadenectomy.展开更多
文摘Long-term prognosis and significance of the sentinel lymph node in head and neck melanoma. Parrett BM, Kashani-Sabet M, Singer MI, et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg,2012 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print]
文摘Objective： To discuss if the sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsy is able to reflect the status of the axillary lymph node and the application of this technic in clinic. Methods： Using^ 99mTc-signed dextran, SLN-biopsy （SLNB） was carried out in 182 cases with breast cancer during May 1999 to September 2006. During the operation, y-detector was used for orientation. After the SLNB, a modified radical mastectomy or breast conserving surgery were carried out to the patients, then a particular separate pathological examination of the SLN was made. Results： 178 cases of SLNB were carried out successfully, and the success rate was 97.8%, the out-checked SLN of each case ranged from 1 to 4, with an average of 2.5. All SLN was located at the first level of axilla, sensitivity of the SLN B was 93.4%, specificity was 100%, false negative rate was 6.6%, false positive rate was 0, accuracy was 97.8%, positive predictive value was 100.0%, negative predictive value was 96.7%, and Youden＇s index was 0.934. Immunohistochemical examination was carried out in 59 cases of SLN, and 14 cases showed the existences of micro-metastasis, however, metastasis had not been found in non-SLN of these cases. Conclusion： SLN is able to reflect the metastasis of the axillary lymph node, and this can suggest the necessity of the axillary dissection in clinic. The SLNB using the isotope-tracer technic is simple and accurate.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning (No. 200420741)the Key Project of the Education Department of Liaoning (No. 2004D182).
文摘Objective: To investigate the distribution pathway of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in middle third gastric carci-noma, as the foundation for rational lymphadenectomy. Methods: 52 cases of middle third tumors with solitary lymph nodes from 1852 gastric carcinomas were selected. The locations and histological types of metastatic lymph nodes were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of 52 solitary node metastases cases, 37 were limited to perigastric nodes (N1), while 15 with skipping metastasis. In the 35 cases with tumor of lesser curvature, there were 17 cases found lymph nodes of the lesser curvature side (No. 3), 5 cases involved lymph nodes of the greater curvature (No. 4), and 8 cases with lymph nodes of the left gastric artery (No. 7). In the 17 cases with tumor of greater curvature, 7 cases spread to No. 4, while 3 metastasized to lymph nodes of the spleen hilum (No. 10). The difference of the histological types in groups N1 and over N1, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Adjacent metastasis formed the primary distribution pattern of SLN in middle third gastric carcinoma, transversal and skipping metastases being also notable.
文摘Sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） is now an establishedtechnique in penile and pelvic cancers, resulting in alower mortality and morbidity when compared withthe traditional lymph node dissection. In renal cancer however, despite some early successes for the SLNB technique, paucity of data remains a problem, thus lymph node dissection and extended lymph node dissection remain the management of choice in clinically node positive patients, with surveillance of lymph nodes in those who are clinically node negative. SLNB is a rapidly evolving technique and the introduction of new techniques such as near infra-red fuorescence optical imaging agents and positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans, may improve sensitivity. Evidence in support of this has already been recorded in bladder and prostate cancer.Although the lack of large multi-centre studies and issues around false negativity currently prevent its widespread use, with evolving techniques improving accuracy and the support of large-scale studies, SLNB does have the potential to become an integral part of staging in renal malignancy.
文摘OBJECTIVE To assess the significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB）, serial section and cytokeratin immunohistochemical staining in the diagnosis and staging of Stage-cNO oral squamous cell carcinoma （OSCC）, METHODS A blue stain, 99mTc-dextran SPECT lymphoscintigrapgy and intraoperative y-ray probes were used to examine the sentinel nodes in 31 cases with Stage-oNO oral cancer, The H＆E staining and a cytokeratin AE1/ AE3 immunohistochemistry （IHC） assessment, with serial sections, were conducted to provide results obtained from a routine pathological examination of lymph nodes, The value of the routine pathological examination of the sentinel lymph node （SLN）, serial sections and IHC determination for cervical lymph node metastasis of Stage-cN0 OSCC was appraised, RESULTS A total of 45, 55 and 51 SLNs were examined in 25 （80%）, 31 （100%） and 30 （96,5%） of the cases, by using the blue stain, y-ray probes, and SPECT lymphoscintigraphy, respectively, The average SLNs found in each case of the groups was 1,4 （1 to 3） and there were 1,302 non-NSLNs, Six positive SLN metastases were detected by routine pathological examination, among which 1 case was found to be an accompanied positive metastasis of non-SLN, One positive SLN metastasis was found after examination of serial sections plus routine H＆E staining and 2 were detected using serial sections plus AE3 immunohistochemical staining methods, No positive NSLNs were found in the study, CONCLUSION In order to make more progress in accurate SLNB diagnosis, serial sections and IHC （AE1/AE3） methods can be used for examination of the micrometastases which are difficult to identify by routine pathological sections and H＆E staining.
文摘Sentinel lymph node （SLN） biopsies are a sensitive tool in evaluating lymph nodes for multiple cancers, and in some diseases they decrease morbidity in both the short- and long-term. SLN detection in gynecologic malignancies has been studied extensively over the past decade. We review the current literature on SLN dissection in vulvar, endometrial and cervical cancers. Large, well-designed trials in each of the three types of cancer have demonstrated high sensitivity and low false-negative rates when SLN biopsy is performed in the correct patients and with an appropriate technical approach. In all of these cases the addition of ultra-staging to conventional pathology yields increased detection of micrometastatic disease. Biopsy of the sentinel nodes is feasible and safe in early vulvar malignancies, with multiple studies describing low recurrence rates in those women who have with negative SLNs. There does not appear to be a survival benefit to lymphadenectomy over SLN biopsy and quality of life is improved in women undergoing SLN biopsy. Optimal treatment strategies for women with positive nodal biopsies, particularly in cases with micrometastatic disease, remain unclear. Multiple large studies investigating the utility of SLN biopsy in endometrial malignancy have found that sentinel nodal status is a reliable predictor of metastases in women with low-risk disease. Prospective studies are ongoing and suggest sentinel nodal detection may soon become widely accepted as an alternative standard of care for select cases of endometrial cancer. In cervical cancer, SLN biopsy is accurate for diagnosing metastatic disease in early stage tumors （≤ 2 cm diameter or stage ≤ IB2） where the risk of metastasis is low. It is unknown if women who undergo SLN biopsy alone will have different survival outcomes than women who undergo complete lymphadenectomy in these cases. In a specific population of women with vulvar cancer, SLN dissection is an effective and safe alternative to complete dissection. It can be offered as an alternative management strategy in these women. In women who do undergo SLN biopsy, it is associated with improved quality of life. Promising evidence supporting the utility of SLN dissection in endometrial and cervical cancer continues to emerge, and it may soon become a reasonable option for select patients. However, continued research and refnement of appropriate patient selection and long-term follow-up are necessary.
文摘OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of intra-operativedetection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in the patient withendometrial cancer (EC).METHODS Thirty-one patients with Stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ endometrialcancer, who underwent a hysterectomy and a lymphadenectomy,were enrolled in the study. At laparotomy, methylene blue dyetracer was injected into the subserosal myometrium of corpusuteri at multiple sites, and dye uptake into the lymphatic channelswas observed. The blue nodes which were identified as SLNs weretraced and excised. The other nodes were then removed. All of theexcised nodes were submitted for pathological hematoxylin andeosin (H&E) staining examination.RESULTS Failure of dye uptake occurred in 4 of the 31 cases(12.9%) because of spillage, and no lymphatic coloration wasobserved there. Lymphatic staining was clearly observable as bluedye diffused to the lymphatic channels of the uterine surface andthe infundibulopelvic ligaments in 27 (87.1%) cases. Concurrentcoloration in the pelvic lymphatic vessels was also observed in 22of the 27 patients. The SLNs were identified in 23 of the 27 (85.2%)cases with a lymphatic staining, with a total number of 90 SLNs,and a mean of 3.9 in each case (range, 1-10). Besides one SLN (1.1%)in the para-aortic area, the other 89 (98.9%) were in the nodes ofthe pelvis. The most dense locations of SLNs included obturator in38 (42.2%) and interiliac in 19 (21.1%) cases. In our group, pelviclymphadenectomy was conducted in 27 (87.1%) patients andpelvic nodal sampling in 4 (12.9%). Of the 31 cases, a concurrentabdominal para-aortic lymph node sampling was conducted in7. A total of 926 nodes were harvested, with an average of 39.8 ineach case (range, 14-55). Nodal metastases occurred in 3 patients(9.7%), 2 of them with SLN involvement and the other withoutSLN involvement. Adverse reactions or injury related to the studywas not found.CONCLUSION Application of methylene blue dye is feasible inan intra-operative SLN identification of endometrial cancer. Thetechnology is convenient, safe, and worth further investigation.
文摘OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection by lympho- scintigraphy and gamma ray detecting probe (GDP) and to assess the value of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining combined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) analys is for detecting micrometastasis in lymph nodes (LNs). METHODS: Forty-two patients with breast cancer were included in this study. (99)Tc(m)-dextran was injected peritumourally. Lymphoscintigraphy images were obtained in anterior and lateral views. SLNs were removed with the aid of GDP during surgery. A standard axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) dissection was performed. All lymph nodes were first analyzed by HE staining. When all of the SLNs in a patient were negative, the ALNs were subjected to additional HE staining combined with IHC analysis. RESULTS: SLNs were successfully detected and removed in 39 (92.9%) of the 42 patients. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of SLN biopsy were 92.9% (13 in 14), 100% (25 in 25) and 97.4% (38 in 39) respectively. Additional HE staining combined with IHC analysis of the ALNs detected micrometastasis in 3 SLNs (2 cases), but there were no positives in the non-sentinal lymph nodes (NSLNs). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that lymphoscintigraphy and GDP may be used to detect SLN. Additional HE staining combined with IHC analysis of the ALNs may help predict micrometastasis. Biopsy of SLN may be an accurate method for staging breast cancer.
基金supported by the Projects of Sichuan Provincial Health Department Scientific Research(Nos.050182 and 090250),China
文摘Objective： To explore the feasibility and clinical value of secondary sentinel lymph node （SSLN） tracing technique in radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer （AGC）. Methods： From January 2009 to June 2011,247 patients who suffered from gastric angle cancer with metastasis in No. 3 group lymph nodes were divided randomly into groups A and B. Methylthioninium chloride was injected into the peripheral tissue of the metastatic No. 3 group lymph nodes of 138 patients in group A before tumor resections. SSLNs were traced and individual lymphadenectomies were carried out based on the biopsy results of the SSLNs. Standard D2 radical gastrectomies were carried out directly on 109 patients in group B. Postoperative follow-up and survival analysis were carried out for patients in both groups. Results： SSLNs were found in 114 （82.6%） patients in group A. Ninety of those patients （78.9%） demonstrated existing metastasis in SSLNs. According to Kaplan-Meier＇s method, the postoperative 3-year cumulative survival rates were 63.5% and 47.5%, and the median survival time were 40 and 36 months for the patients of groups A and B, respectively （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： The SSLN tracing technique is feasible in radical gastrectomy for AGC. It gives surgeons important information about the terminal status of lymph node metastasis and provides some scientific basis for individual lymphadenectomy.
