RA02.05: IS ROUTINE SUBCARINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION NECESSARY IN SUPERFICIAL ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA?

Abstract

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tends to metastasize in a multidirectional fashion through the extensive submucosal lymphatics, even in early stage. Subcarinal lymph nodes (LNs) is regarded as one of regional lymph node stations for esophageal cancer and suggested to be dissected by Guildlines. However, the metastatic rate of subcarinal LNs is relatively low and dissection reportedly may increase pulmonary complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of subcarinal LN dissection on short-term and long-term outcomes in patients with superficial ESCC and aimed at illustrating the value of subcarinal LN dissection in superficial ESCC. Methods From January 2010 to December 2015, 490 patients with pT1 ESCC were enrolled in the study. Patients in subcarinal dissection (Group 1) or non-dissection group (Group 2) were matched randomly in a 2:1 ratio, eventually, 255 patients were selected for further statistical analysis. Results The metastasis rate of subcarinal LNs in superficial ESCC was 1.24% and significantly lower than perigastric, paraesophageal or bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves station (7.14–9.96%). Compared with Group 1, Group 2 had shorter operation time (193 ± 35 vs. 204 ± 39, P = 0.016), less blood loss (157 ± 48 vs. 178 ± 29, P = 0.011), less harvested LNs (20.7 ± 8.8 vs. 24.5 ± 9.5, P = 0.002) as well as lower incidence of pulmonary complications (9.4 vs. 20%, P = 0.032). At a median follow-up of 46 months, the recurrent rates in two groups were similar (16.5 vs. 15.3%, P = 0.809). The 3-year overall survival(OS) rate of Group 1 and 2 was 89.7% and 90.4%, correspondingly, the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 83.5% and 88.5%, respectively. Survival analysis revealed no OS (P = 0.992) and DFS (P = 0.665) reductions in Group 2. Subgroup analyses stratified by pT and pN status also confirmed no significant differences in OS and DFS. In univariate and multivariate analyses, subcarinal LN dissection was not a predictive factor of prognosis in superficial ESCC. Conclusion The present study was the first available analysis investigating values of subcarinal LN dissection in superficial ESCC. Our results showed subcarinal LN dissection did not contribute to improved survival, whereas may increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in superficial ESCC. Therefore, subcarinal LN dissection could be omitted for patients with superficial ESCC. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.