Management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes in rectal cancer:Is it time to reach an Agreement?

In this editorial,we proceed to comment on the article by Chua et al,addressing the management of metastatic lateral pelvic lymph nodes(mLLN)in stage II/III rectal cancer patients below the peritoneal reflection.The treatment of this nodal area sparks significant controversy due to the strategic differences followed by Eastern and Western physicians,albeit with a higher degree of convergence in recent years.The dissection of lateral pelvic lymph nodes without neoadjuvant therapy is a standard practice in Eastern countries.In contrast,in the West,preference leans towards opting for neoadjuvant therapy with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy,that would cover the treatment of this area without the need to add the dissection of these nodes to the total mesorectal excision.In the presence of high-risk nodal characteristics for mLLN related to radiological imaging and lack of response to neoadjuvant therapy,the risk of lateral local recurrence increases,suggesting the appropriate selection of strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence in each patient profile.Despite the heterogeneous and retrospective nature of studies addressing this area,an international consensus is necessary to approach this clinical scenario uniformly.

Feasibility and limitations of combined treatment for lateral pelvic lymph node metastases in rectal cancer

Colorectal cancer ranks among the most commonly diagnosed cancers globally,and is associated with a high rate of pelvic recurrence after surgery.In efforts to mitigate recurrence,pelvic lymph node dissection(PLND)is commonly advocated as an adjunct to radical surgery.Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(NACRT)is a therapeutic approach employed in managing locally advanced rectal cancer,and has been found to increase the survival rates.Chua et al have proposed a combination of NACRT with selective PLND for addressing lateral pelvic lymph node metastases in rectal cancer patients,with the aim of reducing recurrence and improving survival outcomes.Nevertheless,certain studies have indicated that the addition of PLND to NACRT and total mesorectal excision did not yield a significant reduction in local recurrence rates or improvement in survival.Consequently,meticulous patient selection and perioperative chemotherapy may prove indispensable in ensuring the efficacy of PLND.

Application of indocyanine green-enhanced near-infrared fluorescence-guided imaging in laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for middle-low rectal cancer

BACKGROUND As one effective treatment for lateral pelvic lymph node(LPLN)metastasis(LPNM),laparoscopic LPLN dissection(LPND)is limited due to the complicated anatomy of the pelvic sidewall and various complications after surgery.With regard to improving the accuracy and completeness of LPND as well as safety,we tried an innovative method using indocyanine green(ICG)visualized with a near-infrared(NIR)camera system to guide the detection of LPLNs in patients with middle-low rectal cancer.AIM To investigate whether ICG-enhanced NIR fluorescence-guided imaging is a better technique for LPND in patients with rectal cancer.METHODS A total of 42 middle-low rectal cancer patients with clinical LPNM who underwent total mesorectal excision(TME)and LPND between October 2017 and March 2019 at our institution were assessed and divided into an ICG group and a non-ICG group.Clinical characteristics,operative outcomes,pathological outcomes,and postoperative complication information were compared and analysed between the two groups.RESULTS Compared to the non-ICG group,the ICG group had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss(55.8±37.5 mL vs 108.0±52.7 mL,P=0.003)and a significantly larger number of LPLNs harvested(11.5±5.9 vs 7.1±4.8,P=0.017).The LPLNs of two patients in the non-IVG group were residual during LPND.In addition,no significant difference was found in terms of LPND,LPNM,operative time,conversion to laparotomy,preoperative complication,or hospital stay(P>0.05).CONCLUSION ICG-enhanced NIR fluorescence-guided imaging could be a feasible and convenient technique to guide LPND because it could bring specific advantages regarding the accuracy and completeness of surgery as well as safety.

Selective lateral lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Lateral lymph node metastasis is one of the leading causes of local recurrence in patients with advanced mid or low rectal cancer.Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(NCRT)can effectively reduce the postoperative recurrence rate;thus,NCRT with total mesorectal excision(TME)is the most widely accepted standard of care for rectal cancer.The addition of lateral lymph node dissection(LLND)after NCRT remains a controversial topic.AIM To investigate the surgical outcomes of TME plus LLND,and the possible risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis after NCRT.METHODS This retrospective study reviewed 89 consecutive patients with clinical stage II-III mid or low rectal cancer who underwent TME and LLND from June 2016 to October 2018.In the NCRT group,TME plus LLND was performed in patients with short axis(SA)of the lateral lymph node greater than 5 mm.In the non-NCRT group,TME plus LLND was performed in patients with SA of the lateral lymph node greater than 10 mm.Data regarding patient demographics,clinical workup,surgical procedure,complications,and outcomes were collected.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the possible risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis in NCRT patients.RESULTS LLN metastasis was pathologically confirmed in 35 patients(39.3%):26(41.3%)in the NCRT group and 9(34.6%)in the non-NCRT group.The most common site of metastasis was around the obturator nerve(21/35)followed by the internal iliac artery region(12/35).In the NCRT patients,46%of patients with SA of LLN greater than 7 mm were positive.The postoperative 30-d mortality rate was 0%.Two(2.2%)patients suffered from lateral local recurrence in the 2-year follow up.Multivariate analysis showed that cT4 stage(odds ratio[OR]=5.124,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.419-18.508;P=0.013),poor differentiation type(OR=4.014,95%CI:1.038-15.520;P=0.044),and SA≥7 mm(OR=7.539,95%CI:1.487-38.214;P=0.015)were statistically significant risk factors associated with LLN metastasis.CONCLUSION NCRT is not sufficient as a stand-alone therapy to eradicate LLN metastasis in lower rectal cancer patients and surgeons should consider performing selective LLND in patients with greater LLN SA diameter,poorer histological differentiation,or advanced T stage.Selective LLND for NCRT patients can have a favorable oncological outcome.

Prophylactic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in stage Ⅳ low rectal cancer

AIM To assess the clinical significance of prophylactic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) in stage Ⅳ low rectal cancer.METHODS We selected 71 consecutive stage Ⅳ low rectal cancer patients who underwent primary tumor resection,and enrolled 50 of these 71 patients without clinical LPLN metastasis.The patients had distant metastasis such as liver,lung,peritoneum,and paraaortic LN.Clinical LPLN metastasis was defined as LN with a maximum diameter of 10 mm or more on preoperative pelvic computed tomography scan.All patients underwent primary tumor resection,27 patients underwent total mesorectal excision(TME) with LPLND(LPLND group),and 23 patients underwent only TME(TME group).Bilateral LPLND was performed simultaneously with primary tumor resection in LPLND group.R0 resection of both primary and metastatic sites was achieved in 20 of 50 patients.We evaluated possible prognostic factors for 5-year overall survival (OS),and compared 5-year cumulative local recurrence between the LPLND and TME groups.RESULTS For OS,univariate analyses revealed no significant benefit in the LPLND compared with the TME group (28.7% vs 17.0%,P = 0.523); multivariate analysis revealed that R0 resection was an independent prognostic factor.Regarding cumulative local recurrence,the LPLND group showed no significant benefit compared with TME group (21.4% vs 14.8%,P = 0.833).CONCLUSION Prophylactic LPLND shows no oncological benefits in patients with Stage Ⅳ low rectal cancer without clinical LPLN metastasis.

Laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection in two fascial spaces for locally advanced lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND The procedure for lateral lymph node(LLN)dissection(LLND)is complicated and can result in complications.We developed a technique for laparoscopic LLND based on two fascial spaces to simplify the procedure.AIM To clarify the anatomical basis of laparoscopic LLND in two fascial spaces and to evaluate its efficacy and safety in treating locally advanced low rectal cancer(LALRC).METHODS Cadaveric dissection was performed on 24 pelvises,and the fascial composition related to LLND was observed and described.Three dimensional-laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with LLND was performed in 20 patients with LALRC,and their clinical data were analyzed.RESULTS The cadaver study showed that the fascia propria of the rectum,urogenital fascia,vesicohypogastric fascia and parietal fascia lie side by side in a medial-lateral direction constituting the dissection plane for curative rectal cancer surgery,and the last three fasciae formed two spaces(Latzko's pararectal space and paravesical space)which were the surgical area for LLND.Laparoscopic LLND in two fascial spaces was performed successfully in all 20 patients.The median operating time,blood loss and postoperative hospitalization were 178(152-243)min,55(25-150)mL and 10(7-20)d,respectively.The median number of harvested LLNs was 8.6(6-12),and pathologically positive LLN metastasis was confirmed in 7(35.0%)cases.Postoperative complications included lower limb pain in 1 case and lymph leakage in 1 case.CONCLUSION Our preliminary surgical experience suggests that laparoscopic LLND based on fascial spaces is a feasible,effective and safe procedure for treating LALRC.

Short term outcomes of minimally invasive selective lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for low rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Pelvic recurrence after rectal cancer surgery is still a significant problem despite the introduction of total mesorectal excision and chemoradiation treatment(CRT),and one of the most common areas of recurrence is in the lateral pelvic lymph nodes.Hence,there is a possible role for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection(LPND)in rectal cancer.AIM To evaluate the short-term outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive LPND during rectal cancer surgery.Secondary outcomes were to evaluate for any predictive factors to determine lymph node metastases based on pre-operative scans.METHODS From October 2016 to November 2019,22 patients with stage II or III rectal cancer underwent minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery and LPND.These patients were all discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board meeting and most of them received neoadjuvant chemoradiation prior to surgery.All patients had radiologically positive lateral pelvic lymph nodes on the initial staging scans,defined as lymph nodes larger than 7 mm in long axis measurement,or abnormal radiological morphology.LPND was only performed on the involved side.RESULTS Majority of the patients were male(18/22,81.8%),with a median age of 65 years(44-81).Eighteen patients completed neoadjuvant CRT pre-operatively.18 patients(81.8%)had unilateral LPND,with the others receiving bilateral surgery.The median number of lateral pelvic lymph nodes harvested was 10(3-22)per pelvic side wall.8 patients(36.4%)had positive metastases identified in the lymph nodes harvested.The median pre-CRT size of these positive lymph nodes was 10 mm.Median length of stay was 7.5 d(3-76),and only 2 patients failed initial removal of their urinary catheter.Complication rates were low,with only 1 lymphocele and 1 anastomotic leak.There was only 1 mortality(4.5%).There have been no recurrences so far.CONCLUSION Chemoradiation is inadequate in completely eradicating lateral wall metastasis and there are still technical limitations in accurately diagnosing metastases in these areas.A pre-CRT lymph node size of≥10 mm is suggestive of metastases.LPND may be performed safely with minimally invasive surgery.

Current perspectives on the management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes in rectal cancer

Significant controversies exist with regards to the optimal management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes metastases(mLLN)in patients with low rectal cancer.The differing views held by Japanese and Western clinicians on the management of mLLN have been well documented.However,the adequacy of pelvic lymph node dissection(PLND)or neoadjuvant chemoradiation(NACRT)alone in addition to total mesorectal excision(TME)have recently come into question,due to the relatively high incidence of lateral local recurrences following PLND and TME,or NACRT and TME alone.Recently,a more selective approach to PLND has been suggested,involving a combination of neoadjuvant therapy,followed by PLND only to patients in whom the oncological benefit is likely to outweigh the risk of potential adverse events.A number of studies have attempted to retrospectively identify certain nodal characteristics on preoperative imaging,such as nodal size,appearance,and size reduction following neoadjuvant therapy.However,no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal criteria for a selective approach to PLND,partly due to the heterogeneity and retrospective nature of most of these studies.This review aims to provide an overview of recent evidence with regards to the diagnostic challenges,considerations for,and outcomes of the current management strategies for mLLN in rectal cancer patients.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy as Guidance for Lateral Neck Dissection in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Introduction: The surgical management of lateral lymph nodes in differentiated thyroid carcinoma is controversies. Therefore, we analyzed whether sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) biopsy of the first draining nodes in the jugulo-carotid chain is an accurate technique to select patients with true-positive but nonpalpable lymph nodes for selective lateral node dissection. Materials and Methods: From January 2009 to December 2009, 12 patients with solitary papillary carcinoma measuring 2 cm by ultrasonography were included in this study. After the thyroid gland was exposed to avoid injuring the lateral thyroid lymphatic connection, approximately 0.2 ml of 5mg/ml indocyanine green was injected into the parenchyma of upper and lower thyroid gland. Some stained lymph nodes in the jugulo-carotid chain could be identified following the stained lymphatic duct and dissected as the SLN. After that, thyroidectomy with modified neck dissection was performed. Results: The mean tumor size was 22.1 ± 4.6 mm. Identification and biopsy of stained SLN in the ipsilateral jugulo-carotid chain was successful in all 12 cases. In 6 cases, histopathological analysis of SLNs revealed metastases of the papillary thyroid carcinoma. Among them, 2 cases had additional metastatic lymph nodes in the ipsilateral compartment. Of the 6 patients who had negative lymph node metastasis (LNM) in SLNs, all patients had negative LNM in the ipsilateral compartment. Conclusions: The method may be helpful in the detection of true-positive but nonpalpable lymph nodes and may support a decision to perform a selective lateral node dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

T1 rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma with bilateral enlarged lateral lymph nodes and unilateral metastasis:A case report

BACKGROUND There are a few cases of lateral lymph node(LLN)metastasis(LLNM)of T1 rectal cancer.Moreover,LLNM is easily missed,especially in patients with early-stage rectal cancer.To our knowledge,the possibility of bilateral LLNM before surgery has not been reported in previous studies.CASE SUMMARY A 36-year-old woman underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection at a local hospital owing to a clinical diagnosis of a rectal polyp.The pathology report showed a diagnosis of T1 rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma.She was considered to have bilateral LLNM after the examination at our hospital.Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision plus bilateral LLN dissection was performed and the pathological outcomes indicated unilateral LLNM.The patient received longcourse adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with no recurrence or metastasis observed during the 1-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION T1 rectal cancer could lead to LLNM and possibly,bilateral LLNM.Therefore,adequate clinical evaluation is essential for these patients.

Lateral pelvic lymph nodes for rectal cancer:A review of diagnosis and management

The current status and future prospects for diagnosis and treatment of lateral pelvic lymph node(LPLN)metastasis of rectal cancer are described in this review.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is recommended for the diagnosis of LPLN metastasis.A LPLN-positive status on MRI is a strong risk factor for metastasis,and evaluation by MRI is important for deciding treatment strategy.LPLN dissection(LPLD)has an advantage of reducing recurrence in the lateral pelvis but also has a disadvantage of complications;therefore,LPLD may not be appropriate for cases that are less likely to have LPLN metastasis.Radiation therapy(RT)and chemoradiation therapy(CRT)have limited effects in cases with suspected LPLN metastasis,but a combination of preoperative CRT and LPLD may improve the treatment outcome.Thus,RT and CRT plus selective LPLD may be a rational strategy to omit unnecessary LPLD and produce a favorable treatment outcome.

Management of synchronous lateral pelvic nodal metastasis in rectal cancer in the era of neoadjuvant chemoradiation: A systemic review

BACKGROUND Lateral pelvic lymph node(LLN)metastasis(LLNM)occur in up to 28%of patients with low rectal tumours.While prophylactic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection(LLND)has been abandoned by most western institutions in the era of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy(CRT),the role of selective LLND in patients with enlarged LLN on pre-CRT imaging remains unclear.Some studies have shown improved survival and recurrence outcomes when LLNs show"response"to CRT.However,no management algorithm exists to differentiate treatment for"responders"vs"non-responders".AIM To determine if selective LLND in patients with enlarged LLNs results in improved survival and recurrence outcomes.METHODS A systemic search of Pub Med and Embase databases for studies reporting on patients with synchronous radiologically suspicious LLNM(s-LLNM)in rectal cancer receiving preoperative-CRT was performed.RESULTS Fifteen retrospective,single-centre studies were included.793 patients with sLLNM were evaluated:456 underwent TME while 337 underwent TME with7,LLND post-CRT.In the TME group,local recurrence(LR)rates range from 12.5%to 36%.Five-year disease free survival(DFS)was 42%to 75%.In the TME with LLND group,LR rates were 0%to 6%.Five years DFS was 41.2%to 100%.Radiological response was seen in 58%.Pathologically positive LLN was found in up to 94%of non-responders vs 0%to 20%in responders.Young age,low tumour location and radiological non-response were associated with final positive LLNM and lowered DFS.CONCLUSION LLND is associated with local control in patients with s-LLNM.It can be performed in radiological non-responders given a large majority represent true LLNM.Its role in radiological responders should be considered in selected high risk patients.

基于MRI探索用于术前预测直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移的短径截断值

目的:探讨基于侧方淋巴结(lateral pelvic lymph node, LPLN)短径预测术前进行新辅助治疗和未进行新辅助治疗的直肠癌患者LPLN转移的诊断标准。方法:回顾性收集分析自2012年01月至2019年12月中国侧方淋巴结协作组的机构数据库中行全直肠系膜切除术(total mesorectal excision, TME)+侧方淋巴结清扫术(lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis, LPLND)的临床怀疑LPLN肿大的直肠癌患者的临床病理资料。结果:共纳入446例患者,根据不同术前治疗策略,将所有患者分为新辅助治疗组和无新辅助治疗组。新辅助治疗组患者病理pCR/T1(9.0%vs 2.7%,P=0.013)和N0(41.9%vs 55.3%,P<0.001)的比例与无新辅助治疗组患者差异明显。此外,相比于无新辅助治疗组患者,新辅助治疗组患者手术时间明显延长(300.7 vs 277.4 min,P=0.018)。新辅助治疗组与无新辅助治疗组分别有40例(25.8%)和78例(26.8%)患者病理诊断为LPLN转移。髂内淋巴结是新辅助治疗组(16.1%)和无新辅助治疗组(15.8%)患者最常见的LPLN转移位置。新辅助治疗组患者平均转移LPLN短径(1.0 vs 1.4 mm,P=0.015)和无转移LPLN短径(0.6 vs 0.8 mm,P=0.005)明显短于无新辅助治疗组。无新辅助治疗组和新辅助治疗组患者分别以9 mm和7 mm作为LPLN截断值时,AUC值分别为0.817和0.745,有着较好的一致性。结论:接受新辅助治疗和未接受新辅助治疗的患者分别以7 mm和9 mm作为LPLN截断值时,有着最佳的预测LPLN转移的能力。

中国直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移诊疗专家共识(2024版)

侧方淋巴结是中低位直肠癌常见的转移部位,亦是术后局部复发的主要原因。目前国际上针对直肠癌侧方转移的诊断、治疗尚存争议。本共识在《中国直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移诊疗专家共识(2019版)》的基础上,结合国内外最新研究成果,国内42位结直肠癌研究领域的专家针对直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移的诊断、治疗策略、随诊以及复发处理4个方面进行修订,提出18条侧方淋巴结诊疗相关共识,并采用美国预防医学工作组的评价标准进行等级推荐,旨在进一步规范直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移的诊断标准及治疗策略。在本共识中未解决的相关问题,尚需进一步临床实践,并积极开展高质量的临床研究逐步探索和解决。

腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术中淋巴结清扫的争议与进展

腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术是目前直肠恶性肿瘤的主要治疗方式。淋巴结的清扫是决定手术根治性的重要因素。淋巴结清扫范围以及淋巴结的清扫方式是手术的关键。本文结合国内外指南、文献以及刁德昌教授团队的实践经验,对腹腔镜下直肠癌根治术中淋巴结清扫的争议与进展进行论述。为临床直肠癌淋巴结清扫选择提供参考,以更好地平衡肿瘤治疗效果和患者功能保护。

机器人手术系统在低位直肠癌根治术联合侧方淋巴结清扫术中的应用

目的:评估机器人手术系统在低位直肠癌根治术(TME)联合侧方淋巴结清扫术(LLND)中的可行性及安全性。方法:选取2016年3月至2020年6月郑州大学第一附属医院收治的低位直肠癌合并侧方淋巴结肿大的患者187例,其中46例接受机器人手术系统辅助下TME+LLND(机器人组),141例接受腹腔镜下TME+LLND(腹腔镜组)。随访至2022年3月。比较2组的疗效和安全性指标。结果:2组患者均顺利完成手术。与腹腔镜组相比,机器人组保肛率高(71.7%vs 54.6%),手术时间短[(242.61±44.99) min vs(300.64±58.78) min],LLND时间短[(89.78±21.86) min vs(119.01±24.36) min],出血量少[(134.13±59.58) mL vs(371.21±181.11) mL],排气时间短[(2.96±0.82) d vs(3.75±1.10) d],术后住院时间短[(10.63±1.64) d vs(13.63±1.73) d],淋巴瘘发生率低(21.7%vs 38.3%)(P均<0.05);机器人组术后性功能及排尿功能评分均优于腹腔镜组(P<0.05)。机器人组侧方淋巴结清扫数多于腹腔镜组[(7.87±2.28)vs(5.69±2.39)](P<0.05)。2组患者总生存期、无病生存期差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:机器人手术系统辅助下TME+LLND治疗低位直肠癌合并侧方淋巴结肿大安全、可行。

单侧甲状腺乳头状癌对侧淋巴结转移高危因素的临床研究

背景与目的:甲状腺乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)发生淋巴结转移时会对患者预后产生不良影响,本研究旨在讨论单侧PTC发生对侧中央区淋巴结转移(central lymph node metastases,CLNM)及影像学怀疑同侧颈侧区淋巴结转移(lateral lymph node metastases,LLNM)时发生对侧LLNM的相关高危因素。方法:回顾性分析2011年1月—2021年12月于江苏省肿瘤医院头颈外科同一治疗组行手术治疗的526例初治的行甲状腺全切及双侧中央区±颈侧区淋巴结清扫,术后病理学检查确诊为单侧PTC的患者的临床资料,分析发生对侧淋巴结转移的相关高危因素。结果:526例患者中,295例为CLNM,其中272例存在同侧CLNM(含同侧和双侧),129例存在对侧CLNM(含对侧和双侧);165例存在LLNM,其中同侧129例,对侧和双侧转移均为18例。行预防性中央区淋巴结清扫(central lymph node dissection,CLND)的365例中65例(17.8%)出现对侧CLNM;治疗性CLND的161例中68例(42.2%)出现对侧CLNM。单因素及多因素回归分析结果显示,年龄<55岁、肿瘤最大径≥2 cm、CLNM数量≥6枚、多灶、无桥本甲状腺炎及肿瘤外侵与对侧CLNM有关(P均<0.05);肿瘤最大径≥2 cm与对侧LLNM有关(P<0.05),而淋巴结外侵及癌灶侧淋巴结转移是发生对侧CLNM与对侧LLNM的独立危险因素(P均<0.05)。随访显示5年总生存(overall survival,OS)率为97.9%,无病生存(disease-free survival,DFS)率为97.5%。结论:单侧PTC患者存在多灶、无桥本甲状腺炎、肿瘤及淋巴结外侵、癌灶侧CLNM、年龄<55岁、肿瘤最大径≥2 cm、CLNM数量≥6枚等高危因素时更易出现对侧CLNM,临床上对出现上述高危因素的患者,应考虑行双侧CLND以降低肿瘤的残留复发。

全直肠系膜切除术联合侧方淋巴结清扫术治疗中低位直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移的疗效

目的:探讨侧方淋巴结清扫术(lateral lymph node dissection,LLND)对侧方淋巴结(lateral lymph node,LLN)转移直肠癌患者的治疗价值和LLN转移位置对生存预后的影响。方法:自2015年01月至2020年01月,回顾性收集分析在中国医学科学院肿瘤医院行全直肠系膜切除术(total mesorectal excision,TME)+LLND的临床怀疑LLN转移的中低位直肠癌患者与同时期行TME根治性切除的直肠癌患者的资料。根据手术方式,分为TME+LLND组(n=129)与TME组(n=362)。倾向得分匹配后,两组各有125例患者成功匹配。本研究的长期随访终点是3年局部复发率(local recurrence,LR)和3年无复发生存率(recurrence-free survival,RFS)。结果:TME+LLND组手术时间明显长于TME组(356.1 vs 244.8 min,P<0.001),而术后并发症并无明显增加(16.0 vs 12.0,P=0.362)。预后方面,TME+LLND与TME两组间3年LR率无明显差异(10.7%vs 8.8%,P=0.817),然而,TME+LLND组患者术后远处转移明显较高(15.2%vs 7.2%,P=0.044)。根据淋巴结状态与分期对患者进行亚组分析,髂内与闭孔转移患者3年RFS与N2期患者相似(57.1%vs 55.3%,P=0.613)。髂外与髂总转移患者预后与IV期患者3年RFS相似(49.1%vs 22.5%,P=0.302),且显著劣于N2期患者(49.1%vs 55.3%,P=0.044)。结论:LLN转移直肠癌患者可以通过LLND获得令人满意的局部控制效果。局限于髂内和闭孔淋巴结转移的患者可以通过LLND取得生存获益,可视作局部淋巴结转移进行管理与治疗。髂外和髂总转移患者通过LLND治疗效果不理想,预后劣于N2期,略优于IV期患者,此类患者应谨慎选择LLND。

102例直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移患者临床病理特点及生存预后分析

目的探讨侧方淋巴结清扫术(LPLND)在侧方淋巴结(LPLN)转移患者中的治疗效果及预后意义。方法回顾性分析2012年1月—2020年12月在中国医学科学院肿瘤医院和北京大学第一医院行全直肠系膜切除术(TME)联合LPLND术后病理证实LPLN转移的直肠癌患者的临床病理资料。探讨LPLN转移患者临床病理特点与转移规律,同时进行预后分析。结果共纳入102例病理证实LPLN转移的直肠癌患者。LPLN常见转移部位依次为髂内淋巴结(n=68,66.7%)、闭孔淋巴结(n=44,43.1%)和髂总/髂外淋巴结(n=12,11.8%)。10例(9.8%)患者出现双侧LPLN转移,平均LPLN转移数量为2.2±2.4,其中16例(15.7%)患者LPLN转移数量≥2。LPLN转移至髂外/髂总淋巴结的患者3年总体生存率(OS)(66.8%vs.7.7%,P<0.001)与无瘤生存率(DFS)(39.1%vs.10.5%,P=0.012)明显低于转移至髂内/闭孔淋巴结转移的患者。多因素分析显示LPLN转移至髂外/髂总是影响OS(HR=3.53;95%CI:1.50~8.31;P=0.004)和DFS(HR=2.40;95%CI:1.05~5.47;P=0.037)的共同独立危险因素。结论LPLN转移主要位于髂内血管与闭孔区域。转移至髂外或髂总淋巴结患者的生存预后无法通过LPLND改善,全身性综合治疗往往是此类患者的最佳治疗选择。

侧方淋巴结清扫术在临床怀疑侧方淋巴结转移的老年直肠癌患者中应用的安全性与可行性分析

目的:探讨侧方淋巴结清扫术(lateral pelvic lymph node dissection,LPND)在直肠癌侧方淋巴结(lateral pelvic lymph node,LPN)转移老年患者中应用的安全性与可行性。方法:回顾性收集并分析自2012年1月至2019年12月在安阳市肿瘤医院、中国医学科学院肿瘤医院与北京大学第一医院行全直肠系膜切除术+LPND的临床怀疑LPN转移的直肠癌患者临床病理资料。以65岁为分组截断值,将所有患者分为老年组与非老年组。结果:共407例患者纳入研究,其中老年组110例,非老年组297例。老年组患者患有术前合并症的比例明显高于非老年组患者(43.6%vs 19.9%,P<0.001),同时导致了老年患者美国麻醉医师协会(American Society of Anesthesiologists,ASA)分级较高(P=0.007)。两组患者的平均手术时间(281.3 min vs 294.1 min,P=0.291)和平均术中出血量(43.4 mL vs 36.4 mL,P=0.384)相似。术后并发症方面,两组患者的术后总体并发症发生率(33.6%vs 28.3%,P=0.294)与3-5级严重并发症发生率(10.9%vs 8.8%,P=0.507)相似,无显著统计学差异。需要注意的是,老年组患者LPND术后发生尿潴留的比例显著高于非老年组患者(18.1%vs 9.8%,P=0.020)。老年组患者术后前往ICU的比例显著高于非老年组(12.7%vs 5.4%,P=0.012)。当以ASA分级进行亚组分析,结果显示ASA分级为Ⅰ级(5.9%vs 2.9%,P=0.333)、Ⅱ级(10.0%vs 5.3%,P=0.251)与Ⅲ级(83.3%vs 57.1%,P=0.559)的老年组患者与非老年组患者术后前往ICU的比例相似,无显著统计学差异。两组患者围手术期内各有一例患者死亡。预后方面,两组患者的3年总体生存率(89.2%vs 80.9%,P=0.546)与3年无瘤生存率(76.4%vs 70.4%,P=0.346)相似,无显著统计学差异。结论:老年患者行LPND是安全可行的,但是尿潴留是其术后常见的并发症,围手术期应加强泌尿系统的重视与管理。