Laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation for rectal cancer

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation for rectal cancer.Methods The clinical data of 34 patients with rectal cancer who had been admitted to OUr hospital from January 2007 to December 2007 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation.The operation time,lymph node dissection,postoperative complications were assessed.The erectile function of male patients and the short-term outcome of the operation were evaluated.Results All patients were successfully operated on,and no conversion Was required.The mean operation time,blood loss,number of lymph node dissected,time of catheterization,mearl volume of residual urine and CEA were(265+46)minutes,(123±27)ml and 19±3,(5.5±1.6)days,(22.5±7.8)ml and(8.0±4.6)U/L,respectively.The incidence of postoperative complications and male sexual dysfunction were 9%(3/34)and 14%(3/21),respectively.No local recurrence or distal metastasis Was observed at the end of August 2008.Conclusions Laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation for rectal cancer is relatively safe and feasible. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Laparoscope; Autonomic nervous system; Lymph node excision