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.

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.

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.

Relationship between subgroups of central and lateral lymph nodemetastasis in clinically node-negative papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis(LNM) of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) has a certain regularity and occurs first to the central lymph node and then to the lateral lymph node. The pathway of PTC LNM can guide surgical prophylactic lymph node dissection(LND) for clinical surgeons.AIM To investigate the relationship between subgroups of central LNM and lateral LNM in unilateral clinically node-negative PTC(cN0-PTC).METHODS Data were collected for 1089 PTC patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery of the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2016 to December 2017. A total of 388 unilateral cN0-PTC patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. The clinical and pathological data for these 388 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy + central LND + lateral LND were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between the central LNM and lateral LNM subgroups was investigated.RESULTS The coincidence rate of cN0-PTC was only 30.0%.Optimal scaling regression analysis showed that sex(57.1% vs 42.9%, P = 0.026), primary tumor size(68.8% vs 31.2%, P = 0.008), tumor location(59.7% vs 40.3%, P = 0.007), extrathyroid extension(ETE)(50.6% vs 49.9%, P = 0.046), and prelaryngeal LNM(57.1% vs 42.9%, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with ipsilateral level-II LNM. Their importance levels were 0.122, 0.213, 0.172, 0.110, and 0.227, respectively. Primary tumor size(74.6% vs 30.2%, P = 0.016), pretracheal LNM(67.5% vs 32.5%, P < 0.001), and paratracheal LNM(71.4% vs 28.6%, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with ipsilateral level-Ⅲ LNM. Their importance levels were 0.120, 0.408, and 0.351, respectively. Primary tumor size(72.1% vs 27.9%, P = 0.003), ETE(70.4% vs 29.6%, P = 0.016), pretracheal LNM(68.3% vs 31.7%, P=0.001), and paratracheal LNM(80.8% vs 19.2%, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with ipsilateral level-IV LNM. Their importance levels were 0.164, 0.146, 0.216, and 0.472, respectively.CONCLUSION The LNM pathway of thyroid cancer has a certain regularity. For unilateral cN0-PTC patients with a tumor diameter > 2 cm and pretracheal or ipsilateral paratracheal LNM, LND at ipsilateral level Ⅲ and level IV must be considered. When there is a tumor in the upper third of the thyroid with prelaryngeal LNM, LND at level II, level Ⅲ and level IV must be considered.

The Number of Lymph Nodes and Relationship with Presence of Thyroiditis and Thymic Tissue in the Central Neck Dissection Materials for Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma: Pathologic Analysis

Background: Central lymph node dissection (CLND) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) allows correct pathologic staging of lymph nodes and planning of postoperative management. The purpose of this study was to determine the number of the lymph nodes in the CLND and the relationship to presence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and thymic tissue (TT). Methods: Total thyroidectomy and CLND materials from 153 patients with PTC were included in this study. Two histopathologic features (presence of CLT and TT) were evaluated for their value in adequacy of CLND. Results: Histopathologic examination revealed CLT and TT in CLND materials in 70 (46%) and 63 (41%) patients, respectively. Total number of lymph nodes in CLND materials was significantly higher in CLT (+) and TT (+) groups (p Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that presence of CLT in thyroid gland has been associated with higher number of central lymph nodes mainly due to increased number of benign hyperplastic lymph nodes. It may be possible to conclude that upper limit of lymph nodes for satisfactory CLND would be higher to correctly evaluate central lymph node status in existing staging systems if specimens have CLT. Results of this study also show that the presence of TT in surgical materials may represent the adequacy of CLND.

Predictive factors for central lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC)measures 1 cm or less in its longest dimension.The incidence of PTMC is increasing worldwide.Surgery is the primary treatment;however,prophylactic central lymph node dissection is controversial,and discrepancies between different guidelines have been noted.Routine prophylactic central lymph node dissection may result in hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in some patients without lymph node metastasis,while simple thyroidectomy may leave metastatic lymph nodes in high-risk patients.To selectively perform prophylactic lymph node dissections in high-risk patients,it is important to identify predictive factors for lymph node metastases in patients with PTMC.Several studies have reported on this,but their conclusions are not entirely consistent.Several clinicopathologic characteristics have been identified as risk factors for central lymph node metastases,and the most commonly reported factors include age,gender,tumor size and location,multifocality,bilaterality,extrathyroidal extension,and abnormal lymph node found using ultrasound.Here,we provide an overview of previous studies along with a favorable opinion on or against these factors,with the aim of increasing the understanding of this topic among the medical community.In addition,current opinions about prophylactic central lymph node dissection are reviewed and discussed.

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.

Comparative Study between Robotic Total Thyroidectomy with Central Lymph Node Dissection via Bilateral Axillo-breast Approach and Conventional Open Procedure for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Background： A large proportion of the patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma are young women. Therefore, minimally invasive endoscopic thyroidectomy with central neck dissection （CND） emerged and showed well-accepted results with improved cosmetic outcome, accelerated healing, and comforting the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via bilateral axillo-breast approach （BABA）, compared with conventional open procedure in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Methods： One-hundred patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma from March 2014 to January 2015 in Jinan Military General Hospital of People＇s Liberation Army （PLA） were randomly assigned to robotic group or conventional open approach group （17 = 50 in each group）. The total operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, numbers of lymph node removed, visual analog scale （VAS）, postoperative hospital stay time, complications, and numerical scoring system （NSS, used to assess cosmetic effect） were analyzed. Results： The robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via BABA was successfully performed in robotic group. There were no conversion from the robotic surgeries to open or endoscopic surgery. The subclinical central lymph node metastasis rate was 35%. The mean operative time of the robotic group was longer than that of the conventional open approach group （118.8± 16.5 min vs. 90.7± 10.3 min, P 〈 0.05）. The study showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of the VASs （2.1 ± 1.0 vs. 3.8 ±~ 1.2, P 〈 0.05） and NSS （8.9 ± 0.8 vs. 4.8 ± 1.7, P 〈 0.05）. The differences between the two groups in the estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay time, numbers of lymph node removed, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, and complications were not statistically significant （all P 〉 0.05）. Neither iatrogenic implantation nor metastasis occurred in punctured porous channel or chest wall in both groups. Postoperative cosmetic results were very satisfactory in the robotic group. Conclusions： Robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via BABA is safe and effective for Chinese patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma who worry about the neck scars.

Complication versus Radicality in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Surgery: How to Keep the Balance?

Background: Controversy exists over the extent of surgical treatment of papillary thyroid cancer.Reoperations may carry a significant risk of surgical complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the complications following surgical treatment of thyroid cancer and the association between the?extent of surgery and complication rates. Methods: A total of 196 patients with papillary thyroid cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify extent of surgery and associated complications, between 2009 and 2018 atSouth Egypt Cancer Institute Assiut University. Results: Primary procedures included less-than-total thyroidectomy (near total thyroidectomy in 5.1%, subtotal thyroidectomy in 4.1%, thyroid lobectomy in 3.1%) and total thyroidectomy in 87.8% (18.9% of them are completion thyroidectomy). No lymph nodes dissection was done in 10.7%, Berry picking in 6.1%, central compartment neck dissection in 41.8%, central compartment neck dissection with modified ipsilateral radical neck dissection in 12.2%, central compartment neck dissection with modified bilateral radical neck dissection in 26.0%, central compartment dissection with both modified bilateral radical neck dissection and superior mediastinal lymph node dissection 3.1%. The most common surgical complication were transient hypoparathyroidism (16.7% - 45.8%) and 2.0% permanent, transient vocal cord palsy (7.3% - 16.7%), and 3.9% permanent, hematoma 1.5%, seroma 7.1% and chyle fistula in 2.6% of patients. Conclusion: Thyroid cancer surgeries are safe. The transient complication rates of hypoparathyroidism increased significantly with increasing the extent of surgery.

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.

甲状腺癌“低位领”式与“L”型切口淋巴结清扫术的比较

目的比较“低位领”式与“L”型切口淋巴结清扫术治疗甲状腺癌的临床效果。方法选取80例甲状腺癌患者,按随机数字表法分为2组,各40例。对照组采取“L”型切口淋巴结清扫术,观察组施行“低位领”式淋巴结清扫术,观察至术后3个月。对比2组手术相关指标、切口满意度、颈肩部疼痛程度与心理状态、生活质量、并发症。结果观察组术中出血量[(40.53±4.26)ml]少于对照组[(58.75±6.31)ml],手术时间[(118.79±10.53)min]与住院时间[(6.35±1.03)d]短于对照组[(146.35±12.69)min、(9.42±1.69)d],切口满意度[95.00%(38/40)]高于对照组[80.00%(32/40)],视觉模拟疼痛评估量表(VAS)评分[(3.56±0.48)分]与焦虑自评量表(SAS)评分[(39.46±4.33)分]、抑郁自评量表(SDS)评分[(40.63±5.20)分]低于对照组[(5.23±0.79)分、(47.53±6.36)分、(48.56±6.48)分],有统计学差异(P<0.05)。术后3个月,观察组生活质量综合评定问卷(GQOLI-74)内各维度评分[(80.38±3.75)分、(79.28±3.86)分、(80.63±4.01)分、(81.43±4.10)分]均高于对照组[(71.26±3.29)分、(70.56±3.49)分、(72.31±3.59)分、(71.31±3.50)分],有统计学差异(P<0.05)。2组并发症相比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论与“L”型切口相比,“低位领”式淋巴结清扫术治疗甲状腺癌效果更佳,术中出血量更少,手术及术后住院时间更短,并能够减轻患者颈肩部疼痛,改善心理状态及生活质量,且无严重并发症。

无充气腋窝入路和颈前开放入路甲状腺癌根治术对甲状旁腺功能及中央区淋巴结清扫水平的影响

目的:比较无充气腋窝入路和颈前开放入路甲状腺癌根治术对甲状旁腺功能及中央区淋巴结清扫水平的影响。方法:回顾性分析2021年1月至2022年6月我院收治的80例甲状腺乳头状癌患者的临床资料,其中40例行颈前开放入路甲状腺癌根治术(开放组),40例行无充气腋窝入路甲状腺癌根治术(腋窝组),对比两组术前和术后血清全段甲状旁腺激素(siPTH)水平、血清钙水平及中央区淋巴结清扫个数。结果:两组术前siPTH和血清钙水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),两组术后siPTH水平虽有降低,但均在正常范围,两组术后血清钙均值也在正常范围,两组术后siPTH及血清钙水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。开放组中央区淋巴结清扫数量多于腋窝组(P<0.05)。结论:两种入路甲状腺癌根治术对甲状旁腺功能的影响无明显差异,但传统颈前开放入路术式较无充气腋窝入路术式对清扫中央区淋巴结更有利。

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。