Lymph node retrieval colon cancer: Are we making the grade?

Abstract

BackgroundAdequate lymph node (LN) excision is imperative for pathologic staging and determination of adjuvant treatment. Methodshe 2004–2017 National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for curative colon cancer resections. Tumors were categorized by location: left, right, and transverse colon cancers. Adequate (12–20 LNs) vs. inadequate (<12 LNs) lymphadenectomy was examined and sub-analysis of <12 LNs, 12–20 LNs or >20 LNs. Primary outcome was predictors of inadequate lymph node retrieval. ResultsOf 101,551 patients, 11.2% (11,439) had inadequate lymphadenectomy. The inadequate lymphadenectomy rate steadily decreased. On multivariable analysis, inadequate LN retrieval was associated with transverse (OR 1.49, CI [1.30–1.71]) and left colon cancers (OR 2.66, CI [2.42–2.93], whereas income >$63,333 had decreased likelihood of inadequate LN retrieval (OR 0.68, CI[0.56–0.82]. ConclusionWe are making the grade as NCDB data demonstrates a steady decrease in inadequate lymphadenectomy (2004–2017). There remain socioeconomic risk factors for inadequate lymphadenectomy that need to be addressed.