Lymphadenectomy in carcinoma stomach: Experience from a regional cancer centre

Abstract

14121 Background: Carcinoma stomach is the most common cancer in males in chennai city. Lot of controversy exists regarding the need for extended lymphadenectomy because of the morbidity and mortality associated. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done to assess the benefit of extended lymphadenectomy. The records of all the patients operated at Cancer Institute from 1991 to 2004 were analysed. Out of 5050 cases of carcinoma stomach seen, only 570 cases were taken up for some form of treatment. 400 cases underwent resection, of which 366 patients records were retreived from the tumor registry for analysis. Followup ranged from 1 year to 10 years. Results: Male to female ratio was 3:1, most patients were in 40 - 60 year age group (60%). 60% patients had antral tumors and the rest were evenly distributed. 79 patients (21%) underwent conventional gastrectomy (D1), 243 patients (66%) underwent extended lymphadenectomy and 44 patients (12%)underwent palliative gastrectomy. 280 patients underwent subtotal gastrectomy, 54 patients total gastrectomy, 28 esophago gastrectomy and 5 had transhiatal esophagectomies. Stage wise distribution was IA 4.9%, IB 9.8%, II 21%, IIIA 29.4%, IIIB 12.8%, IV 22.1%. The total number of nodes dissected in the Extended nodal dissection group was less than or equal to 15 in 12% patients, 15 to 30 nodes in 48% patients and >30 nodes in 40% patients. 72% patients had node positive disease. Overall Survival at 5years was 38.9% for all the cases. 5year ovarall survival for conventional gastrectomy group was 37% and was 48% for the extended lymphadenectomy group which was statistically significant(p =0.06) .On substratification for T status and stage, the difference in survival between conventional and extended lymphadenectomy arms was not found to be significant.However,there was a trend towards improved survival in the lymphadenectomy arm.There were 7 post operative deaths in the lymphadenectomy arm,5 of which were in the first year of starting extended lymphadenectomies, which points to the learning curve for these procedures. Conclusions: Larger trials may be required to prove the advantage of extended lymphadenectomies in Gastric cancer. In addition neoadjuvant chemotherapy and Intraoperative radiotherapy may need to be studied to improve survival in gastric cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.