Average Number Of Lymph Nodes Research Articles

Assessment of diagnostic Value of Indocyanine Green (ICG) for lymph node metastasis in laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. A prospective single-center study

PurposeEvaluation of diagnostic value for lymph node metastasis and lymph node identification using Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence in laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. MethodsA prospective study on 79 patients who underwent radical subtotal gastrectomy with the use of ICG-guided lymph node dissection. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICG fluorescence lymphography method in detecting metastatic lymph nodes were evaluated. ResultsA total of 79 patients underwent surgery. The number of lymph nodes (LNs) were retrieved: 2.992 LNs, of which 2.392 were fluorescent (79.9%) and 600 were non-fluorescent (20.1%). The average number of lymph nodes dissected was 37.7 ± 11.8 LNs, and the average number of fluorescent lymph nodes was 30.3 ± 11.1; the LN metastasis rate in the total lymph nodes and in the ICG group were 6.79% and 7.34%, respectively. The median number of retrieved LNs in patients with LN metastases [32 (IQR 26-44)] was higher than in patients without LN metastases [26 (IQR 21-36)], (p=0.348). The median number of fluorescent LNs was significantly higher in patients with LN metastases [32 (IQR 26-44)] than in those without LN metastases [26 (IQR 21-36); p<0.001]. The sensitivity of ICG in metastasis detection was 75.86% (22 out of 29 patients), with a false-negative (FN) rate of 24.14% (7 out of 29 patients). For the identification of metastatic LNs, the sensitivity of ICG was 90.7%, with the specificity of 20.8%. The negative predictive value of non-fluorescent LNs was 97%. ConclusionICG fluorescence lymphography-guided lymphadenectomy can clearly visualize the lymphatic system and the lymph nodes alongside the tumor. The high sensitivity in detecting metastatic lymph nodes and the high negative predictive value of a non-fluorescent lymph nodes suggest that this is an effective method for clinically radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Issues in the surgical management of skin squamous cell cancers in albinos—experience of two surgical oncology units in Burkina Faso

Background and objectivesSkin cancers in albinos are frequent in sunny countries. The surgeon plays a crucial role in their treatment. The objective was to describe the challenges of surgical management of skin cancer in albinos.MethodsRetrospective, descriptive, and multicenter study on skin cancer surgery in albinos performed over the past 14 years in Ouagadougou. We were interested in surgery indications, techniques, and results. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Comparisons of proportions were made by Student’s t-test.ResultsThe cancers were multiple synchronous in 41.3%. We identified 46 albinos with 71 skin cancers. Surgery was performed in 93%. Lesions were located on the back, upper limbs, and head and face in 40.9%, 30.3%, and 16.7%, respectively. Precancerous lesions were treated concomitantly in 23.6%. The surgery consisted of a lumpectomy. Direct suturing and mobilization of flaps allowed skin coverage in 17.9% and 34.3%, respectively. Lymph node dissection was associated with the limbs in 73.1% of localizations. The average number of lymph nodes removed was 11, with extremes of 7 and 14. Node invasion was noted in 16 out of 19 cases. The resection margins were invaded in 7.5% and required surgical revision. Recurrences were noted in 8.9% of cases. Overall 2-year survival rate was 55.8%.ConclusionsSurgery must meet the triple challenge of treating single or multiple synchronous cancers, precancerous lesions, and allowing good healing. Early diagnosis would reduce the rate of secondary healing and improve survival. The absence of extemporaneous histology and the large size of the tumors associated with the delay in diagnosis meant that surgery, whenever possible, was limited to wide and deep resection, to ensure healthy margins.

Радионуклидная диагностика сторожевых лимфатических узлов при опухолях молочной железы с радиофармацевтическим лекарственным препаратом на основе меченого технецием-99m гамма-оксида алюминия

Аim: To analyze the results of radionuclide diagnostics of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in patients with breast cancer (BC) with the radiotracer Sentiscan, 99mTc (manufacturer “MedicorPharma-Ural”) using the multimodal SPECT/CT at the stage of visualization. Material and methods: The study was retrospective, it included 48 patients with BC with clinical stage T2-3N0M0, who underwent radionuclide diagnostics of SLN and SPECT/CT was performed at the imaging stage. The images were evaluated visually, the intensity of the radiotracer accumulation in the lymph nodes (LN) was analyzed, SUVmax was used as a quantitative parameter. Intraoperative detection of SLN with subsequent histological examination was also carried out with the calculation of the level of the radiotracer accumulation. Results: On tomoscintigrams, LNs were visualized in 43 patients out of 48, intraoperatively ‒ in 46 cases, in 2 patients, accumulation of the radiotracer in the LN projection was noted neither according to SPECT/CT, nor intraoperatively. When analyzing the intensity of the radiotracer accumulation according to SPECT/CT data, a rather large scatter of SUVmax‒35 [10‒104]. Sentinel were considered LNs with the level of the radiotracer accumulation in them of at least 10 % of the most intense node. According to SPECT/CT data, 165 lymph nodes were identified, the average number of lymph nodes detected in one patient was 2 [1‒3], the maximum number was 6 lymph nodes. In all patients, the lymph nodes were determined in the projection of the 1st level, in 25 cases ‒ in the projection of other zones of regional lymphatic outflow. The total number of lymph nodes removed during surgery was n=247, on average 3 [2‒5] lymph nodes were removed in one patient, with a maximum of 8 nodes. Conclusion: The sensitivity of radionuclide diagnostics of SLN with Sentiscan, 99mTc was 89.6 % according to SPECT/CT and 95.8 % according to the results of intraoperative detection. The use of multimodal imaging provides information on the exact anatomical localization of the lymph nodes. In the absence of scintigraphic visualization of the radiotracer redistribution in the lymphatic collector, intraoperative detection does not lose its relevance.

400. CONSTRUCTION OF A MODULAR SYSTEM OF ‘INFLATABLE SINGLE-INCISION MEDIASTINOSCOPY ESOPHAGECTOMY’ BASED ON FASCIA ANATOMY

Abstract Background We improved Inflatable Single-Incision Mediastinoscopy esophagectomy to implement the simultaneous laparoscopic esophagectomy with inflatablesingle-Incision mediastinoscope and lymphadenectomy along bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves under mediastinoscopy through a single left-neck incision and formed the concept of modular treatment of inflatable mediastinoscopic esophagectomy based on fascial anatomy which we can achieve standardized add programmed esophageal dissociation, greatly shorten the learning curve, make it easier to popularize and promote, and help us to control the operation time and complications. Methods According to anatomy of the periesophageal fascia we summarized six surgical modules, respectively is: To make the neck incision, dissociate posterior and left esophagus, dissociate anterior and right esophagus, lymphadenectomy along left recurrent laryngeal nerves, lymphadenectomy along right recurrent laryngeal nerves, dissect the Subcarinal lymph nodes. The clinical data of patients undergoing esophagectomy with inflatable single-pore mediastinoscope from February 2020 to February 2021 in our hospital were summarized and analyzed, and compared with the data of minimally invasive thoracic esophagectomy, in order to verify the clinical application effect of this modular system. Results In the validation study of modularization in this subject, no perioperative death was found in the 44 patients and the R0 resection rate was 100% confirmed by postoperative pathology. The average operation time was 204.9 ± 45.4 minutes, mean intraoperative blood loss was 64.6 ± 45.5 mL, average number of lymph nodes removed was 19.5 ± 9.1, average length of hospital stay was 27.0 ± 18.17 days, postoperative anastomotic fistula (2.27%), anastomotic stenosis (13.64%), chylous leakage (0%), pleural effusion (4.55%), and pulmonary infection (9.09%), better than the control group. The incidence of postoperative hoarseness (18.19%) which needed to be improved. Conclusion This standardized and modular surgical procedure description based on fascia anatomy is proposed for the first time for the esophagectomy under inflatable mediastinoscope, and is an exploration of the construction of a modular system for this surgical procedure. This modular system enables us to achieve standardized, programmed and rapid esophageal dissociation, which has good clinical application value.

Safety and feasibility of preferential manual bronchoplasty in 2-3 cm single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.

This retrospective study aimed to compare preferential manual bronchoplasty (PMB) and mechanical stapler closure (MSC) of the bronchial stump after 2-3 cm single-port (SP) video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy in patients with pathological T1 (pT1) stage lung cancer. Between January 2019 and March 2022, patients with pulmonary neoplasms who underwent 2-3 cm SP VATS lobectomy were retrospectively screened. After propensity-matched analysis, we compared perioperative outcomes and analyzed the safety and feasibility of PMB and MSC of the bronchial stump while performing VATS lobectomy. In this study, 280 and 832 patients were enrolled in the PMB and MSC groups, respectively. Propensity score matching produced 280 pairs. The operation time was shorter in the PMB group, whereas the average number of lymph nodes dissected was higher in the PMB group. The conversion rate was significantly lower in the PMB group. The following were similar between the PMB and MSC groups, respectively: average blood loss volume, postoperative hospital stay, and chest tube removal time. Postoperatively, the incidence of atelectasis was significantly higher in the MSC group. As per subgroup analyses, PMB was associated with a shorter operation time in left and right upper lobectomies. Particularly in left upper lobectomy, PMB had more lymph node dissections and less conversion to open and postoperative atelectasis. In comparison with MSC of the bronchial stump, PMB showed better safety and feasibility in 2-3 cm SP VATS left and right superior lobectomies in patients with pT1 stage lung cancer.

Preservation of left colic artery in laparoscopic colorectal operation: The benefit challenge

During laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer, there is controversy regarding whether the left colic artery (LCA) should be preserved at its origin.To investigate the prognostic significance of preservation of the LCA in colorectal cancer surgery.Patients were divided into two groups. The high ligation (H-L) technique (refers to ligation performed 1 cm from the beginning of the inferior mesenteric artery) group consisted of 46 patients, and the low ligation (L-L) technique (refers to ligation performed below the initiation of the LCA) group consisted of 148 patients. Operative time, blood loss, lymph nodes with tumor invasion, postoperative complications and recovery time, recurrence rate, and 5-year survival rate were compared between the two groups.The average number of lymph nodes detected in postoperative pathological specimens was 17.4/person in the H-L group and 15.9/person in the L-L group. There were 20 patients (43%) with positive lymph nodes (lymph node metastasis) in the H-L group and 60 patients (41%) in the L-L group. No statistical differences were found between the groups. Complications occurred in 12 cases (26%) in the H-L group and in 26 cases (18%) in the L-L group. The incidences of postoperative anastomotic complications and functional urinary complications were significantly lower in the L-L group. The 5-year survival rates in H-L and L-L groups were 81.7% and 81.6%, respectively, and relapse-free survival rates were 74.3% and 77.1%, respectively. The two groups were similar statistically.Complete mesenteric resection combined with lymph node dissection around the inferior mesenteric artery root while preserving the LCA is a beneficial surgical approach during laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer.

Characteristics of systematic lymph node dissection and influencing factors of sentinel lymph node biopsy using carbon nanoparticles in endometrial carcinoma: a single-center study

BackgroundCarbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are a new tracer for lymph node mapping, which can quickly reach and develop lymph nodes through a lymphatic network. This research investigated the characteristics of systematic lymph node dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy mapped with CNPs in endometrial carcinoma.MethodsWe first applied CNPs to systematic lymph node dissection in 18 endometrial carcinoma patients as the study group and another 18 endometrial carcinoma patients who were not injected with anything served as the control group. Then, we applied CNPs to sentinel lymph nodes biopsy in 54 endometrial carcinoma patients. All 54 patients received systematic lymph node dissection after sentinel lymph node biopsy. The detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of systematic lymph node dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy by CNPs were respectively analyzed. A nomogram model for predicting the success of sentinel lymph node mapping was established.ResultsThe average number of lymph nodes removed in the CNP-labeled study group was higher than that in the control group (p<0.001). CNPs improved the number of lymph nodes with a diameter ≤ 0.5cm. The detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of sentinel lymph nodes biopsy by CNPs for endometrial carcinoma were 70.4%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The nomogram model included factors of long menopause time, cervical cyst, and hard cervical texture, and the area of ROC curve was 0.816.ConclusionsCNPs improve the detection rate of small lymph nodes. CNPs can trace sentinel lymph nodes in evaluating lymph node metastasis in endometrial carcinoma.

Preoperative chemotherapy combined with para-aortic lymph node dissection has clinical value in the treatment of gastric cancer with para-aortic lymph node metastases

BackgroundLymph node metastases often occur in advanced gastric cancer, with some patients presenting with metastases in the para-aortic lymph nodes. There are persistent Controversies about the benefit of para-aortic lymph node dissection (PAND). Our purpose is to probe whether PAND following preoperative chemotherapy had any clinical significance in individuals with PALNs in gastric cancer.Material and methodsTo retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 86 gastric cancer patients (40 in the D2 + PAND group and 46 in the D2 group) who attended the abdominal surgery department of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between September 1, 2008, and July 30, 2018.ResultsIn the D2 + PAND group (40 cases), the average number of lymph nodes cleared per case was 4.3 in group 16 (16a2, 16b1), and the postoperative pathology confirmed lymph node positivity in 16 cases, with a metastasis rate of 40%. The median overall survival times were 63 and 34 months for the patients in the D2 + PAND group and D2 group, respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) compared to the D2 group (D2 + PAND 69.1% vs. D2 50%, P = 0.012) and a statistically significant difference in 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) (D2 + PAND 69.6% vs. D2 38.3%, P = 0.007). Lymph node dissection extent and recurrence of para-aortic lymph nodes were independent prognostic variables for the patients. The recurrence rate was reduced in the D2 + PAND group compared to the D2 group (D2 + PAND 7.5% vs. D2 26.1%, p = 0.023).ConclusionsFor patients with gastric cancer whose imaging suggests metastasis in the para-aortic lymph nodes, preoperative chemotherapy combined with PAND is an effective and safe treatment that may benefit patient survival.

The role of lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer patients (retrospective analysis).

Endometrial cancer in recent years has taken the lead among cancer processes of the female reproductive system. The feasibility of pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection in patients with endometrial cancer has always been a controversial issue. The aim of the presented paper is to evaluate the feasibility of pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection in patients with endometrial cancer, depending on the stage of the disease, postoperative complications, and patient survival, depending on the volume of surgical intervention. The study involved 285 patients with stages of I-IV endometrioid endometrial cancer of the Pre-graduate Department of Oncogynecology of the National Cancer Institute. The average age of patients was 55 ± 5.7years. In 74.5%, the disease was detected at stage I and uterine extirpation was performed with/without appendages. The duration of the operation varies depending on the volume of intervention-from 1h 30min ± 10min for panhysterectomy, up to 3h 20min ± 10min when performing para-aortic lymph node dissection. The average number of lymph nodes removed was-7 ± 1.1 pelvic and 12 ± 1.5 para-aortic. The basic principles of surgical treatment consist in individual choice of the scope of surgical intervention, performing adequate lymph node dissection, and preventing relapse and metastasis of the disease.

182. LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED SINGLE-PORT MEDIASTINOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY CAN PROVIDE A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE SURGICAL OPTION FOR PATIENTS WITH SPECIFIC ESOPHAGEAL CANCERS

Abstract The majority of traditional minimally invasive esophagectomies are transthoracic esophagectomies. However, transthoracic esophagectomy is often difficult to perform in some patients with pulmonary insufficiency, severe pleural adhesions, chest deformities, and poor tolerance for single-lung ventilation. For this reason, we propose laparoscopic-assisted single-port mediastinoscopic esophagectomy as a potential surgical treatment for patients who are unsuitable for transthoracic esophagectomy. The goal of this study was to report the effectiveness and safety of its treatment. This study retrospectively collected clinical data from hard-to-reach transthoracic patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted single-port mediastinoscopic esophagectomy at our center from October 2016 to August 2021 to report their perioperative treatment outcomes. Data for continuous variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and categorical variables are expressed as n [%]. All data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software. A total of 8 cases were included and all completed the surgery successfully. The average operating time was 266.14 min, the average intraoperative bleeding was 114.29 mL, the average number of lymph nodes obtained was 13.29, the average number of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) lymph nodes was 3.14, the rate of RLN lymph nodes obtained was 75%, the average postoperative hospital stay was 22.29 days. Postoperative complications included type I vocal cord paralysis [37.5%], anastomotic leak [25%], pneumonia [12.5%], pleural effusion [25%], and type I Chyle Leak [12.5%], with no perioperative deaths. There was one recurrence and no death within 1 year postoperatively. The results of this study suggest that laparoscopic-assisted single-port mediastinoscopic esophagectomy can provide a safe and effective treatment option for patients with esophageal cancer who have difficulty undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy and can achieve a more satisfactory short-term survival outcome.

Сравнительный анализ робот-ассистированной и открытой радикальной цистэктомии с ортотопической деривацией мочи

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder creation is a complex surgical procedure, which is gradually becoming an alternative to open surgery.To compare the perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes of open radical cystectomy (ORC) and RARC.RARC with ileocystoplasty was performed in 25 patients, including 24 men. The average age was 65.5 years. ORC was done in 30 patients (28 men; control group) with the mean age of 67.2 years. In RARC, the ureters were isolated at the level of lower thirds, the bladder was dissected from the rectum on both sides, then the bladder vessels were divided using clips, and the urethra was cut off. After pelvic lymph node dissection, 50 cm of the ileum was resected. Then two distal segments were folded in a U-shape, a 1.5 cm incision was made in the lower part, and an anastomosis with the urethra was carried out. Further, these segments were detubularized and a modified Studer reservoir was created. The ureters were implanted into the tubular part. In ORC, urine diversion was also done using Studer technique. In both groups, the operation time, the volume of blood loss, the number of complications, the duration of hospitalization, the proportion of daytime and nighttime continence were evaluated.The mean time for RARC and ORC was 380 (320-580) and 260 (220-320) min, respectively (p<0.05). In the group of RARC, the volume of blood loss was 85 (50-250) ml and no blood transfusion was performed, while in ORC, the volume of blood loss was 520 (350-1400) ml, an average of 480 (0-840) ml of blood was transfused (p<0.05). After RARC, 30- and 90- complications rate was 32.0% (n=8) and 24.0% (n=6), respectively, compared to 40.0% (n=12) and 30.0% (n=9) in ORC. One patient died due to myocardial infarction during the 90-day follow-up period after RARC (grade V complication according to Clavien). The average number of removed lymph nodes in the RARC group was 15 (10-18). One patient had lymph node metastases. There were no cases of local recurrence. In ORC, the average number of lymph nodes was 16 (11-20), metastases were detected in 2 patients. One of them was subsequently diagnosed with local recurrence. There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes removed between two groups. After RARC, 20 (80.0%) patients had complete urinary continence, while 5 patients (20.0%) used 1-2 pads per day. Night continence was preserved in 15 cases (60.0%). After ORC, complete urinary continence was seen in 23 cases (76.7%). Five patients (20.0%) used 1-2 pads per day and two patients (6.7%) used 2-3 pads per day. Night continence after ORC was preserved in 17 cases (56.7%).RARC is a minimally invasive method of surgical treatment of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Compared with ORC, a significantly lower rate of complications and blood transfusions is documented, but RARC requires a longer operation time. Both interventions provide the equivalent oncological and functional outcomes, which are in line with published data.

Colorectal Cancer Lymph Node Detection and Anastomotic Safety of Using Carbon Nano-Tracer Following Minimally Invasive Radical Surgery

Objective: The goal of this study is to examine the impact of rectal submucosal injection of nano-carbon suspension injection following neoadjuvant therapy for middle and low rectal cancer on lymph node identification and anastomotic safety. Methods: 45 patients with intermediate-to-low grade rectal cancer admitted to the Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital between March 2019 and March 2022 had their medical records reviewed retrospectively. Patients in case group were injected with nanocarbon suspension under an anoscope into the rectal submucosa patients in control group were not injected with nanocarbon suspension. The lymph node identification and anastomotic consequences were then compared. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the average number of lymph nodes discovered in the observation group and the percentage of patients with more than 12 lymph nodes detected. The percentage of patients with lymph node metastases did not significantly. The rates of complications such leakage, hemorrhage, stenosis, and abscesses around the anastomosis were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Nano carbon lymph node tracking is a safe, simple, and easy-to-operate method for increasing the number of lymph nodes detected in surgical specimens of middle and low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy.

Prophylactic lymphaticovenous bypass performed during complete lymphadenectomy is oncologically safe.

9557 Background: Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) is a physiologic surgery indicated for secondary lymphedema of the extremities, particularly for disease refractory to conservative management. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is prophylactic LVA concurrently performed with CLND. After the transected lymphatics are mapped through a dye injection, they are anastomosed to a nearby venous outflow tract. Though prophylactic LVA is increasingly being performed, its risk on cancer recurrence and distant metastasis is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the distant-metastasis free survival (DMFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) times in melanoma patients who underwent prophylactic LVA during CLND versus those who underwent conventional CLND for grossly metastatic disease. Our study is the first prospective evaluation of the impact of prophylactic LVA on DMFS in patients undergoing CLND. Methods: This was a prospective study of patients with cutaneous melanoma who underwent CLND with concurrent LVA (LVA group) or CLND alone (comparison group) between 2012 and 2021. Patients were excluded if they had non-melanoma skin cancers, stage IV cancers before CLND, microscopic lymphatic disease only or follow-up time of less than 12 months who did not die from melanoma-related causes. The comparison group consisted of all consecutive patients that underwent CLND alone and met inclusion criteria. To reduce surgical technique variability, all cases were performed by a single, high-volume surgeon at a tertiary care center. Results: A total of 46 melanoma patients underwent prophylactic LVA during this time period. Twenty-three of these patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in the LVA group. Twenty-two consecutive patients that underwent CLND alone were included in the comparison group. All patients underwent either axillary or inguinal CLND. Average number of lymph nodes removed during CLND were 18.20 ± 9.61 and 17.04 ± 9.97 for the LVA and comparison groups, respectively (p = 0.69). Size of largest metastatic tumor in lymph nodes was 45.91 ± 35.03 mm and 44.54 ± 23.32 mm, respectively (p = 0.99). Average time to first recurrence diagnoses was 6.75 ± 3.54 months vs 8.28 ± 5.66 months. For distant metastases only, the average time to first recurrence diagnoses was 6.16 ± 3.79 months and 9.39 ± 6.19 months, respectively (p = 0.25). There was no significant difference in recurrence type between the two groups (p = 0.66). There were no differences in DMFS and RFS times between the LVA and comparison groups. Conclusions: Prophylactic LVA performed for grossly metastatic melanoma does not negatively impact DMFS nor RFS. Considering the extremely aggressive nature of melanoma, our finding is potentially applicable to other cancers that are amenable to CLND and LVA.

Lymph node yield in colorectal cancer specimens and its impact on pathological staging: Does number matter?

Regional lymph node involvement is an important predictor of outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC). The lymph node yield in resected specimens varies from case to case. To assess whether clinicopathologic factors have an impact on the number of lymph nodes harvested from surgical resection specimens of CRCs To assess whether the total number of lymph nodes retrieved has a bearing on the positivity of lymph nodes and hence the N category. All resection specimens of treatment naïve CRC received in the department of pathology during a 2 year period (2017-2019) were reviewed. The lymph node yield was correlated with age, sex, type of surgical procedure, length of resected segment, tumor location, histological type and grade, T and N categories. The statistical tests used were Spearman rank, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square tests. A total of 51 resections were studied. The mean age was 59.64 years with 72.55% being male. About 76.47% were hemicolectomies and 23.52% were rectosigmoid surgeries. The lymph node yield ranged from 0 to 38, the mean being 12.67. None of the parameters studied had a significant correlation with the lymph node yield except histological grade, specimens with higher-grade tumors yielding more number of nodes (P = 0.0242). There was no significant correlation between node positivity and the average number of lymph nodes (P = 0.0883). There was no significant correlation between total yield in cases with ≥12 lymph nodes and N category (P = 0.180). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between total yield in node-positive cases with ≥12 lymph nodes and N category (P = 0.216). There was no significant difference in the sizes of the lymph nodes in node-positive and negative cases (P = 0.3930 and 0.2355, respectively). Among the parameters affecting lymph node yield, the current study found a significant correlation between histological grade and lymph node yield. There was no significant difference in the size of lymph nodes between node-positive and negative cases. The total lymph node yield did not have a bearing on node positivity and this shows that a lower lymph node yield may be accepted as adequate after thorough examination of the specimen.

Single-position robot-assisted versus laparoscopic antegrade bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer: A retrospective controlled study

ObjectivesThe main purpose of this study was to compare the surgical strategy and clinical outcomes of single-position robotic assisted laparoscopic anterograde bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer. Materials and methods21 patients were diagnosis with squamous cell carcinoma and identified from March 2010 to December 2020 in our department. Ten patients were received single-position robotic assisted laparoscopic anterograde bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy (robot-assisted group), and eleven patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (laparoscopic group). Preoperative physical examination and related auxiliary examinations all indicated bilateral inguinal lymph node enlargement, and there was no distant metastasis patient presented during the follow-up period. ResultsThere was no intraoperative conversion to open surgery. The operation time under robot-assisted group was 104 ± 13 min which was significantly shorter than laparoscopic group (136 ± 11 min, P < 0.01). The average number of lymph nodes was 22.2 ± 4.5 of both sides in robot-assisted group, which was statistically different compared with laparoscopic group (15.4 ± 3.1, p < 0.01). Moreover, there was significant difference of hospitalization cost between two groups (CNY 67429 ± 5586 vs 28582 ± 3774, P < 0.01). No differences in operation time, blood loss, and length of stay were recorded. ConclusionsThe single-position robotic assisted laparoscopic anterograde bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy reveals with shorter operating time, and better surgical effect, Moreover, we prefer to no change the trocars layout and mechanical arm system during the operation.

Laparoscopic segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection: a good choice for right transverse colon cancer

BackgroundPrevious research was yet to establish a definite operation for transverse colon cancer (TCC); surgical procedure was often dictated by the surgeon’s preference in clinical practice. The main surgical methods could be summarized in two main points: segmental colectomy (transverse colectomy) and right hemicolectomy.MethodThe first patient was a 78-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with right TCC. Computed tomography revealed a right TCC and a very long transverse colon; laparoscopic exploration revealed an enlarged apical lymph node surrounding the ileocolic vessels. We performed a segmental colectomy with extensive apical lymph node dissection along the superior mesenteric vessels and its main branches for her. To distinguish it from the previous radical operations for TCC, we called this operation a segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection. Then, this surgical intervention was performed on 8 other TCC patients.ResultsThe total operating time was 158 min. Pathological examination confirmed 2 apical lymph node metastases; among them, one apical lymph node metastasis was in group No.203. For all 9 patients, the median operative time was 160 min (range, 140–185 min), the average number of lymph node retrieval was 30 (range, 25–39), and the average number of apical lymph node (No.203, No.213, and No.223) retrieval was 5.9 (range, 0–11). Because of the preservation of the ileocecal junction and part of the ascending colon, all patients recovered uneventfully after surgery, and long-term diarrhea, water-electrolyte imbalance, and other Clavien–Dindo grade III or greater postoperative complications did not occur.ConclusionsOur procedure combined the advantages of segmental colectomy and right hemicolectomy and gave consideration to oncological and functional outcomes. It may be an optimal choice for TCC patients with a very long transverse colon and preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis.

Operative and Survival Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in Elderly and Very Elderly Patients: A Study in a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea.

Materials and Methods Data of all patients ≥75 years who underwent a robotic-assisted curative resection in Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, South Korea, between January 2007 and January 2021 were extracted from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database. Patients were subdivided into the three groups according to the age: youngest-old (YO: 75–80 years), middle-old (MO: 81–85), and oldest-old (OO: ≥86 years). Intraoperative findings, postoperative, and oncological outcomes were compared between the groups. Results Seventy-six consecutive patients (female 52.6%) were included; mean age was 80 years (SD 0.33); mean body mass index (BMI), 23.8 20.9 kg/m2 (SD 3.58); mean total operative time, 279 min (SD 80.93); mean blood loss, 186 ml (SD 204.03); mean postoperative length of stay, 14 days (SD 12.03). Major complications were seen in 2.1% of patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. Average number of lymph node harvested was 20.9 (SD 12.33). Postoperative complications were not statistically different between the groups. Mean follow-up time for cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 99.28 months for the YO, 72.11 months for MO, and 31.25 months for OO groups (p = 0.045). The CSS rates at 5 years were 27.0%, 21.0%, and 0%, respectively. Recurrence risk was 10.50 times higher in the OO group than the others (adjusted HR, 95% CI 1.868–59.047, p = 0.008). In the multivariable analysis, TNM stage was not a risk factor for CSS in all groups. The number of the harvested nodes was a protective factor for recurrence (HR of 0.932, 95% CI 0.875–0.992, p = 0.027) and CSS (HR of 0.928, 95% CI 0.861–0.999, p = 0.047) in elderly patients. Conclusion Robotic surgery is highly feasible in elderly and very elderly colorectal cancer patients, providing a favorable operative safety profile and an acceptable cancer-specific survival outcome.

Prophylactic Lymphovenous Anastomosis Performed during Complete Lymphadenectomy Does Not Increase Risk of Distant Metastasis

BACKGROUND: Lymphovenous bypass (LVB) is the preferred surgical treatment for extremity lymphedema after complete lymph node dissection (CLND). Prophylactic LVB is most frequently performed after CLND for malignancies including breast, gynecologic, and skin cancers. A serious concern with LVB is facilitation of cancer metastasis. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare rates of distant-metastasis free survival (DMFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) between patients who underwent LVB during CLND for grossly metastatic disease and patients who underwent CLND only. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to evaluate the impact of prophylactic LVB on DMFS and RFS in cancer. METHODS: This is a prospective review of skin cancer patients who underwent axillary/inguinal CLND with or without LVB, between 2014 and 2020. To reduce inter-surgeon differences, all cases were performed by a single, high-volume surgeon at a tertiary hospital. Patients were excluded if they had non-melanoma cancers, stage IV disease before CLND, or follow-up time <180 days. Each LVB patient matched with a control patient based on follow-up times and cancer stage. Collected data include patient demographics, recurrence rate, immunotherapy status, and follow-up time. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were reviewed. Fifty-two patients had various skin cancers and underwent prophylactic LVB after CLND (LVB group). Among all LVB patients, 42 had melanomas, and among them, 27 met inclusion criteria. Likewise, 27 patients who underwent CLND only (control group) were also included in this study. The two groups were similar in age, sex, follow-up time, and total nodes removed during CLND. Follow-up times were on average 16.24 ± 6.92 and 18.14 ± 9.41 months for the LVB and control groups, respectively (P = 0.40). Average number of lymph nodes removed during CLND were 16.41 ± 9.57 and 17.46 ± 15.43 in the LVB and control groups, respectively (P = 0.71). The LVB group had larger metastatic tumors in lymph nodes at 36.05 ± 40.91 mm compared with the control group at 4.40 ± 7.22 mm (P = 0.0021). The LVB group had lower rates of lymphedema at 41% compared with the control group at 85% (P = 0.0007). There were no differences in DMFS (P = 0.26) and RFS (P = 0.21) between the LVB and control groups based on Kaplan-Meier curves of survival outcomes within 1.5 years (547 days) of treatment. Melanoma recurrence rates were 48% in the LVB group and 37% in the control group (P = 0.41). Immunotherapy usage was more common in the LVB group at 92.59% compared with the control group at 59.26% (P = 0.0042). Rates of failed immunotherapy (ie, melanoma progression or recurrence during treatment) were 56% and 50% for the LVB and control groups, respectively (P = 0.71). Patients who failed immunotherapy had higher rates of melanoma recurrence at 86.36% than patients who did not at 26.32% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic LVB during CLND does not impact DMFS and RFS in melanoma, which is potentially applicable to all cancers considering the extremely aggressive nature of melanoma. LVB is highly efficacious in treating lymphedema, especially given that the LVB group had considerably larger tumors in affected lymph nodes.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Fertility Sparing Surgery for Treatment of Early-Stage Cervical Cancer

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To explore the safety, feasibility and pregnancy outcome of da Vinci robotic-assisted laparoscopic fertility-sparing surgery for early-stage cervical cancer. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospectively review clinical data of 10 patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical trachelectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy between January 2018 and February 2020 in our center. <h3>Setting</h3> N/A. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> The mean age of the 10 patients was 29.6±3.0 years old and the mean BMI was 23.9±3.7 kg/m². Among them, 1 patient was in stage IA1 with lymph-vascular space invasion, 2 patients in stage IA2 and 7 patients in stage IB1. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> The average operative time was 295±21 min. The average estimated amount of intraoperative blood loss was 65±18 ml, and the average number of lymph nodes removed was 28.6±3.5. The length of parametrial tissue removed on the left side was 34.3±1.6 mm and 33.9±1.5 mm on the right side. No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, the length of cervix (measured by transvaginal ultrasound) was 7.1±1.7 mm. The average length of hospital stay was 7.7±2.0 days. The median follow-up was 23.9 months. One patient had lymphocele 2 months after the operation. No recurrence happened during the follow-up period. Three patients achieved pregnancy, including 2 natural pregnancy and 1 assisted-reproductive pregnancy. One woman with natural pregnancy 11 months postoperatively delivered a healthy female infant at 38⁺¹ weeks. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Robotic-assisted radical trachelectomy is a safe and feasible alternative for cervical cancer patients who desire fertility preservation. Its long-term oncologic outcome and pregnancy outcome require further investigation.

A Retrospective Study on the Feasibility of Completely Laparoscopic Transabdominal Approach Partial Intersphincteric Resection.

Background: With the development of surgical techniques, gastrointestinal surgeons seek ways to improve the quality of life (QOL) for postoperative patients, while ensuring the tumor radical effect, such as reducing trauma, alleviating pain, and preserving the anus. This article discusses the postoperative outcomes of completely laparoscopic transabdominal approach partial intersphincteric resection (CLTPISR). Materials and Methods: The clinical data of 68 patients who underwent CLTPISR at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College between May 2017 and June 2020, including procedure-related data, general postoperative conditions, and postoperative anal function data, were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the feasibility and safety of CLTPISR. Results: All 68 rectal cancer patients completed the CLTPISR. The average age was (60.47 ± 7.08) years, the average operative time was (196.22 ± 8.15) minutes, the mean operative bleeding was (49.12 ± 29.61) mL, and the average postoperative hospital stay was (13.46 ± 4.78) days. The postoperative pathology showed that the circumferential margins and distal margins were all negative, the maximum tumor diameter was (3.26 ± 1.11) cm, the distance from the anal verge was (3.92 ± 0.89) cm, and the average number of lymph nodes cleared was (11.06 ± 3.67). There were 28 stage I patients (41.18%), 21 stage II patients (30.88%), and 19 stage III patients (27.94%). The median follow-up time after surgery was 28 months, and the rates of distant metastasis, disease-free survival, and overall survival of the patients were 8.82%, 91.18%, and 95.59%, respectively. The patient's postoperative anal function gradually recovered as time increased. Conclusions: Under the premise of strictly grasping the indications, the CLTPISR is a safe and feasible surgery. It could achieve maximum anal preservation and improve patients' QOL, while maintaining the tumor radical effect, and had the advantages of the short operation time, low intraoperative bleeding, and quick recovery. The Clinical Trial Registration number is LL2020397.