Efficacy and safety evaluation of laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation for rectal cancer

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy is widely used in rectal cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation in treating rectal cancer. Methods: We enrolled 211 patients with rectal cancer who admitted to our hospital from 2012 to 2016. Randomly, 131 cases underwent laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy (laparoscope group) and 80 cases underwent open surgery (open group). The patients’ clinical data and statistical results were retroactively comparatively analyzed. Results: All the operations were completed successfully in 211 patients. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of removed lymph nodes and postoperative complications. The carminative time and time to get out of bed were shorter in the laparoscope group than that in the open group. The hospital stay was also shorter in the laparoscope group than in the open group, while the surgical duration was shorter in the open group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in recurrence rates, mortality rates, or postoperative urinary and sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: The laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation is feasible and safe for rectal cancer treatment. The advantages include being minimally invasive and a quicker postoperative recovery, which improves the patient’s quality of life.