Lateral Node Research Articles

Anatomic Basis of Rectal Cancer Staging: Clarifying Controversies and Misconceptions.

Rectal MRI provides a detailed depiction of pelvic anatomy; specifically, the relationship of the tumor to key anatomic structures, including the mesorectal fascia, anterior peritoneal reflection, and sphincter complex. However, anatomic inconsistencies, pitfalls, and confusion exist, which can have a strong impact on interpretation and treatment. These areas of confusion include the definition of the rectum itself, specifically differentiation of the rectum from the anal canal and the sigmoid colon, and delineation of the high versus low rectum. Other areas of confusion include the relative locations of the mesorectal fascia and peritoneum and their significance in staging and treatment, the difference between the mesorectal fascia and circumferential resection margin, involvement of the sphincter complex, and evaluation of lateral pelvic lymph nodes. The impact of these anatomic inconsistencies and sources of confusion is significant, given the importance of MRI in depicting the anatomic relationship of the tumor to critical pelvic structures, to triage surgical resection and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with the goal of minimizing local recurrence. Evolving treatment paradigms also place MRI central in management of rectal cancer. ©RSNA, 2024.

Iatrogenic Hypoparathyroidism Development After Thyroidectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism is a common cause of postthyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. It has varying incidence rates after neck surgery in Saudi Arabia, ranging from 0.07% to 65.30%. Hypoparathyroidism can manifest with a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe and life-threatening. This study aimed to assess the rate and predictors of iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery and its natural course. This retrospective cohort study used a data collection form to extract patient information from the electronic healthcare system (Best-Care) for patients treated from 2017 to 2022. Patients' demographics, surgical specifics and biochemical profiles were recorded for subsequent analysis. Among the 343 patients who underwent thyroidectomy, 130 (37.9%) developed hypoparathyroidism, primarily within the first day after surgery. Calcium or vitamin D supplementation before surgery did not significantly influence hypoparathyroidism development. Notably, extensive combined lymph node dissection was significantly associated with postoperative hypoparathyroidism development (p = 0.0004). More patients who underwent central and lateral lymph node dissection (n = 19, 79.17%) developed hypoparathyroidism than patients who underwent central (n = 18, 40.91%) or lateral (n = 8, 38.10%) dissection alone. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in 40 patients (11.66%). This study revealed a high incidence of iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism and high rates of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Further research is warranted to better comprehend the risk factors and optimise management strategies for iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism. Overall, our findings emphasise the need for vigilant monitoring and effective management of patients undergoing thyroidectomy and the significance of postoperative replacement therapies.

Risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis in T1 stage papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis in T1 stage papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Re-thinking of "pelvirectal space"

Before the "mesorectal" theory was proposed, the traditional anatomy believed that the "pelvirectal space" belonged to the anal canal and perirectal space, which was independent of the rectal structure, located on both sides of the rectum, above the levator ani, and below the peritoneal reflexion, and was composed of a large amount of fatty tissue filling. With the development of the theory of membrane anatomy and the clarification of the concept of "rectal mesentery", combined with the author's clinical experience, we found that the above-mentioned fat is actually the fat within the mesorectum, as well as the fat tissue of lateral lymph nodes (LLN) such as the internal iliac lymph nodes (No.263) and obturator lymph nodes (No.283) on both sides of the rectal mesentery, rather than the so-called fat tissue within the interstitial space. Therefore, the author believes that the pelvirectal space does not exist. In the anatomical location equivalent to the pelvic rectal space, there is the "superior levator ani space" based on the membrane anatomy theory. From the pelvirectal space to the superior levator anal space, it reflects our further understanding of the anatomy of the rectal mesentery.

Risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer in elderly patients aged 65 and older.

To assess the risk factors of cervical lymph node metastasis in elderly patients aged 65 years and older diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In this retrospective analysis, we included a total of 328 elderly patients aged 65 years and older diagnosed with PTC. We thoroughly examined clinical features from these patients. Utilizing univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we aimed to identify factors contributing to the risk of central and lateral lymph node metastasis (CLNM/LLNM) in this specific population of PTC patients aged 65 years and older. In the univariate analysis, CLNM was significantly associated with tumor size, multifocality, bilaterality, and microcalcification, while only tumor size ≥ 1cm (OR = 0.530, P = 0.019, 95% CI = 0.311 - 0.900) and multifocality (OR = 0.291, P < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.148 - 0.574) remained as risk factors in the multivariate analysis. LLNM was confirmed to be associated with male (OR = 0.454, P < 0.020, 95% CI = 0.233 - 0.884), tumor size ≥ 1cm (OR = 0.471, P = 0.030, 95% CI = 0.239 - 0.928), age ≥ 70 (OR = 0.489, P = 0.032, 95% CI = 0.254 - 0.941), and microcalcification (OR = 0.384, P = 0.008, 95% CI = 0.189 - 0.781) in the multivariate analysis. In elderly PTC patients with CLNM, male gender (OR = 0.350, P = 0.021, 95% CI = 0.143 - 0.855), age ≥ 70 (OR = 0.339, P = 0.015, 95% CI = 0.142 - 0.810), and bilaterality (OR = 0.320, P = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.131 - 0.779) were closely associated with concomitant LLNM in both univariate and multivariate analyses. For elderly PTC patients aged 65 and older, tumor size ≥ 1cm and multifocality are significant risk factors for CLNM. Meanwhile, male, tumor size ≥ 1cm, age ≥ 70, and microcalcification are crucial predictors for LLNM. In patients already diagnosed with CLNM, male, age ≥ 70, and bilaterality increase the risk of LLNM.

Risk factors analysis of lateral cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective study of 830 patients

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors for lateral cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsClinicopathological data (age, gender, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, preoperative circulating tumor cells (CTCs), multifocal, maximum lesion diameter, invaded capsule, T stage, and lymph node metastasis) of 830 PTC patients diagnosed and treated in Meizhou People’s Hospital from June 2021 to April 2023 were collected. The related factors of lateral cervical lymph node metastasis were analyzed.ResultsThere were 334 (40.2%), and 103 (12.4%) PTC patients with central lymph node metastasis, and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis, respectively. Compared with patients without lateral cervical lymph node metastasis, PTC patients with lateral cervical lymph node metastasis had a higher proportion of multifocal, maximum lesion diameter > 1 cm, invaded capsule, T3-T4 stage. Regression logistic analysis showed that male (odds ratio (OR): 2.196, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.279–3.769, p = 0.004), age < 55 years old (OR: 2.057, 95% CI: 1.062–3.988, p = 0.033), multifocal (OR: 2.759, 95% CI: 1.708–4.458, p < 0.001), maximum lesion diameter > 1 cm (OR: 5.408, 95% CI: 3.233–9.046, p < 0.001), T3-T4 stage (OR: 2.396, 95% CI: 1.241–4.626, p = 0.009), and invaded capsule (OR: 2.051, 95% CI: 1.208–3.480, p = 0.008) were associated with lateral cervical lymph node metastasis.ConclusionsMale, age < 55 years old, multifocal, maximum lesion diameter > 1 cm, T3-T4 stage, and invaded capsule were independent risk factors for lateral cervical lymph node metastasis in PTC.

Early-stage voiding function following uni- versus bilateral inferior vesical vessel resection during therapeutic lateral lymph node dissection with autonomic nerve sparing for advanced low rectal cancer (with video).

Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) has now been widely accepted as the optimal procedure to minimize lateral local recurrence (LLR) for selected cases with advanced lower rectal cancer in Asian countries. However, there is still controversy over the preservation or resection of the inferior vesical vessels (IVVs) during LLND due to concerns of impaired post-operative urinary function. Moreover, the standardized procedure for autonomic nerve preservation has not yet been established. To evaluate the early-stage postoperative voiding function in patients who underwent LLND with uni- versus bilateral resection of the IVVs and to introduce an autonomic nerve sparing technique with a fascial space priority approach (FSPA). LLND was performed in 106 consecutive patients with advanced low rectal cancer at Tianjin Union Medical Center from May 2017 to October 2022. Prospectively collected clinical data were retrospectively compared between patients who received uni-lateral and bilateral LLND. A video with narration was provided to introduce the stepwise procedure of autonomic nerve preservation during IVV resection. The unilateral lymph node dissection (LND) group and the bilateral LND group included 75 and 31 cases, respectively. All LLNDs were performed with FSPA with IVV resection as a standard procedure. No significant differences were observed in overall catheterization days (p = 0.336) and re-catheterization rate (p = 0.575) between groups. No patients in either group suffered from long-term (≥ 30 days) voiding dysfunction. Autonomic nerve sparing is achievable with resection of IVVs during LLND. Satisfactory early-stage voiding function could be obtained with IVV resection on both sides.

Survival analysis in rectal cancer patients after lateral lymph node dissection: Exploring the necessity of nCRT for suspected lateral lymph node metastasis

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether combining neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) with lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) improves survival in patients with rectal cancer suspected of lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) compared with LLND alone. MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical data from rectal cancer patients from January 2017 to November 2022 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on patient clinical data, with a focus on identifying potential risk factors that affect disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients were divided into nCRT+LLND and LLND groups. K‒M survival curves and log-rank tests were used to analyze the survival outcomes of the different groups. ResultsThe study included 92 patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that intraoperative bleeding, pathological LLNM and histological type were associated with DFS. When these factors were included in multivariate Cox regression, pathological LLNM was identified as an independent risk factor for reduced DFS. There were no statistically significant differences between the nCRT+LLND and LLND groups when comparing survival curves for both DFS and OS. ConclusionIn rectal cancer patients with suspected LLNM, TME+LLND without nCRT may be a viable, yet to be validated, therapeutic strategy.

The significance and prognostic value of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents

IntroductionThe prognostic value of multifocality in paediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients remains a subject of debate. This study aimed to explore the clinical significance and prognostic value of multifocality in children and adolescents with PTC.MethodsThis study retrospectively analysed the clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative follow-up data of 338 PTC patients aged ≤ 20 years from May 2012 to July 2022. The clinical and pathological characteristics of 205 patients with unifocal lesions and 133 patients with multifocal lesions were compared. A logistic regression model evaluated the relationship between multifocal lesions and disease recurrence/persistence in children and adolescents with PTC. Based on the median follow-up time of children with multifocal PTC, 114 patients with multifocal PTC older than 20 years were added, and the clinicopathological characteristics were compared between the 133. paediatric/adolescent patients and 114 adult patients with multifocal PTC.ResultsAmong the paediatric and adolescent patients, over a median follow-up time of 49 months, 133 had multifocal disease and 205 had unifocal disease. Multifocal PTC patients exhibited stronger invasiveness in the form of extrathyroidal extension, tumour diameter, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Multifocality (OR 2.68; p = 0.017), lateral lymph node metastasis (OR 2.85; p = 0.036), and distant metastasis (OR 4.28; p = 0.010) were identified as independent predictive factors for the recurrence/persistence of disease. Comparing the paediatric/adolescent vs. adult multifocal patients, the former demonstrated greater tumour invasiveness. Lateral lymph node metastasis (OR 6.36; P = 0.012) and distant metastasis (OR 3.70; P = 0.027) were independent predictive factors for recurrence/persistence of disease in multifocal patients, while age was not (OR 0.95; P = 0.455).ConclusionTumour multifocality independently predicts persistent/recurrent disease in paediatric and adolescent PTC patients.

Studies on surgical methods for sporadic micromedullary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract Background To observe the changes in serum calcitonin levels after application of different surgical methods for primary medullary thyroid microcarcinoma (MTMC) and explore a more reasonable surgical method. Methods A retrospective analysis of 36 patients with MTMC, 16 in group A and 20 in group B, was performed. In group A, tumors were single and confined to the thyroid lobe, and thyroid lobectomy with isthmusectomy was performed. In group B, tumors were in the isthmus or invaded the thyroid gland, or there were multiple foci in bilateral lobes, and patients with primary foci underwent total thyroidectomy. The median follow-up time was 3.6 years. Clinical and pathological characteristics and changes in serum calcitonin (CTn) and carcinoembryonic antigen levels after the surgery were compared between the 2 groups. Results The difference in the biochemical cure rate after surgery was statistically significant between patients with preoperative serum calcitonin levels &lt;150 pg/mL and ≥150 pg/mL (P &lt; 0.01). No significant differences in the biochemical cure rates and serum calcitonin levels were noted at different time points after surgery between group A and group B (P &gt; 0.05). One recurrence and metastasis were observed in each group after surgery. Conclusions After performing different surgical methods for the primary foci of MTMC, the changes in serum calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen levels are similar. Especially for patients with single foci confined to the thyroid lobe without lateral cervical lymph node metastasis and with serum calcitonin levels &lt;150 pg/mL, the unilateral thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy can achieve the same therapeutic effect and biochemical cure rate as total thyroidectomy.

Robotic versus open surgery for thyroidectomy and modified radical neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with clinical lateral neck node metastasis (cN1b): Effectiveness and safety, oncological outcomes and long-term quality of life.

e18069 Background: Open thyroidectomy (TT) with modified radical neck dissection (MRND) is used for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with clinical lateral neck node metastasis (cN1b). robotic surgery for TT with MRND is being carried out and some studies have confirmed its efficacy. However, such studies are limited by indicators and samples. The study aimed to compare robotic TT with MRND with open surgery in patients with cN1b PTC in efficacy, safety, oncological outcomes and quality of life. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 2027 patients receiving MRND between January 2016 and December 2021 were enrolled. After exclusion, 1153 PTC patients met the inclusion criteria, in which 168 (14.57%) underwent robotic surgery and 985 (85.43%) underwent open surgery. Propensity score matching (PSM) at a 1:2 ratio was performed to minimize bias. We compared the efficacy, safety and oncological outcomes before and after PSM, we also evaluated the quality of life of patients after PSM. Results: Before and after PSM, the number of central lymph nodes ( p&lt;0.001) and lateral cervical lymph nodes(p&lt;0.001),and the number of positive lateral cervical lymph nodes(before PSM p=0.037, after PSM, p=0.018 ) in the robotic group were lower than those open group. RAI-avid lesion in postoperative 131 RAI scan showed no difference between two groups and showed similar complication rates before or after PSM, including chyle leakage, infection, and permanent hypoparathyroidism. Because the rate of parathyroid misresection and the number of transplanted parathyroid glands were improved, robotic was superior to open group in preventing transient hypoparathyroidism. The patients were followed up for mean 50.57 months in the robotic group and 51.78 months in the open group. There was no difference between two groups in recurrence rate (before PSM: 5/168 [2.98%] vs 32/985 [3.25%], p&gt;0.99; after PSM: 5/168 [2.98%] vs 15/336 [4.46%], p=0.572) and distant metastasis rate (before PSM: 1/168 [0.60%] vs 3/985 [0.30%], p&gt;0.99; after PSM: 1/168 [0.60%] vs 1/336 [0.30%], p&gt;0.99). We conducted a quality of life survey in 504 patients after PSM and collected 317 copies, of which 316 were valid. Compared with the open group, the robotic group had similar performance in health-related quality of life(HR-QOL) and the QOL issues specific to thyroid cancer, including subjective voice, dysphagia, neck and shoulder disability. The scores of scar showed a significant difference in the appearance and psychosocial impact of scars between two groups (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Robotic surgery can provide more meticulous operation to reduce postoperative complications and better quality of life, especially scars, there is no significant difference in oncologic outcomes between two groups.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOXIRI plus lateral lymph nodes dissection for the treatment of resectable rectal cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis: A single-arm, investigator-initiated, phase II trial.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOXIRI plus lateral lymph nodes dissection for the treatment of resectable rectal cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis: A single-arm, investigator-initiated, phase II trial.

255P Survival analysis after lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer: Necessity of nCRT for suspected lateral lymph node metastasis

255P Survival analysis after lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer: Necessity of nCRT for suspected lateral lymph node metastasis

Identification of lateral pelvic nodes without metastasis in patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy based on magnetic resonance imaging.

Intensive localized therapy is promising for the treatment of rectal cancer. In Japan, chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) are used as preoperative treatments for this disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to diagnose lateral pelvic node (LPN) metastases, but the changes in LPN findings on MRI following preoperative treatment are unclear. Furthermore, there may be patients in whom LPN dissection can be omitted after CRT/NAC. Patients who underwent total mesorectal excision with LPN dissection after CRT/NAC at 13 Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum member institutions between 2017 and 2019 were included. Changes in the short diameter of the LPNs after CRT/NAC and the reduction rate were examined. A total of 101 LPNs were examined in 28 patients who received CRT and 228 in 47 patients who received NAC. Comparison of LPNs before and after CRT/NAC showed that most LPNs shrank after CRT but that the size reduction was variable after NAC. Although some LPNs with a short diameter of <5 mm showed residual metastasis, no metastases were observed in LPNs that were <5 mm in short diameter before and after CRT/NAC and did not shrink after treatment. Although the short diameter of LPNs was significantly reduced by both CRT and NAC, even LPNs with a short diameter of <5 mm could have residual metastases. However, dissection may be omitted for LPNs <5 mm in short diameter that do not shrink after preoperative CRT or NAC.

Short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by fruquintinib plus adebrelimab and CAPOX in the total neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC): A multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase II study.

TPS3643 Background: For LARC patients (pts), long-course concurrent chemoradiotherapy or SCRT followed by chemotherapy is recommended by the NCCN guidelines (Version 1.2024) as neoadjuvant therapy. Compared with chemoradiotherapy, the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or anti-angiogenic drugs could further improve complete response (CR) rate in the neoadjuvant treatment of LARC. Fruquintinib, a highly selective small-molecule inhibitor of VEGFR-1, -2, and -3, has gained FDA approval for pts with metastatic colorectal cancer previously treated. For pts with LARC at high risk of recurrence, the CR rate of SCRT followed by chemotherapy was 29%. There is an urgent need for new therapeutical options to improve the CR rate in these pts. This study introduces an innovative approach, combining SCRT, chemotherapy, Fruquintinib, and ICIs as a total neoadjuvant therapy for high-risk LARC pts. Methods: This is a multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase II study (NCT06234007) investigating the efficacy and safety of SCRT sequential fruquintinib, combined with adebrelimab (an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody) and CAPOX in pts with LARC. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, with an ECOG PS of 0–1, and a biopsy-proven, newly diagnosed, primary, LARC, classified as high risk on pelvic MRI (with at least one of the following criteria: clinical tumour [cT] stage cT4a or cT4b, extramural vascular invasion, clinical nodal [cN] stage cN2, involved mesorectal fascia, or enlarged lateral lymph nodes), were mentally and physically fit for surgery. Total neoadjuvant therapy included SCRT (5 × 5 Gy over 5 days, 1-week rest) followed by six cycles of fruquintinib (4mg, qd, po, q3w. For the initial 6 pts in the safety run-in period, dosage was adjusted based on dose-limited toxicities in the 1st cycle) combined with adebrelimab (1200mg, iv, d1, q3w) and CAPOX (q3w). Subsequently, pts who did not reach clinical CR underwent total mesorectal excision, others received the “Watch and Wait” policy or surgery. Primary endpoint was CR rate (including clinical CR &amp; pathologic CR). Secondary endpoints included 3-year event free survival rate, overall survival, R0 resection rate and adverse events (AEs). Exploratory endpoints aimed to evaluate the correlation between potential biomarkers and efficacy. Using PASS 15 software (version 15.0.5.0), in the Tests for One Proportion analysis, with a two-sided α of 5% and to guarantee the power over 80%. The null hypothesis of CR rate was 29%, and the alternative hypothesis was 51%, accounting for a 10% drop-out rate, resulting in a sample size of 39 pts. With the 6 pts in the safety run-in period, a total of 45 pts would be enrolled in the study. Until Feb 1, 2024, 7 of planned 45 pts have been enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT06234007 .

Robotic versus laparoscopic pelvic lateral lymph node dissection in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

There are few available studies that compare the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of robotic pelvic lateral lymph node dissection compared to laparoscopic pelvic lateral lymph node dissection (LPLND) in advanced rectal cancer. This meta-analysis aims to compare perioperative outcomes between robotic and LPLND. We performed a systemic literature review of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Perioperative parameters were extracted and pooled for analysis. This meta-analysis provided an analysis of heterogeneity and prediction intervals. Five studies were included: 567 patients divided between 266 robotic and 301 LPLND. Overall operation time was longer in the robotic group than laparoscopic group (difference in means = 67.11, 95% CI [30.80, 103.42], p < 0.001) but the difference in the pelvic lateral lymph dissection time was not statistically significant (difference in means = - 1.212, 95% CI [ - 11.594, 9.171], p = 0.819). There were fewer overall complications in the robotic than in the laparoscopic group (OR = 1.589, 95% CI [1.009, 2.503], p = 0.046), especially with respect to urinary retention (OR = 2.23, 95% CI [1.277, 3.894], p = 0.005). More pelvic lateral lymph nodes were harvested by robotic surgery than by laparoscopy (differences in means = - 1.992, 95% CI [ - 2.421, 1.563], p < 0.001). In this meta-analysis, robotic pelvic lateral lymph node dissection was associated with more pelvic lateral lymph nodes harvested and lower overall complications, especially urinary retention when compared to LPLND. Further studies are needed to reinforce these findings.

Robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with lateral lymph node dissection for advanced rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lateral pelvic node dissection (LPND) poses significant technical challenges. Despite the advent of robotic surgery, determining the optimal minimally invasive approach remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between robotic total mesorectal excision with LPND (R-LPND) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with LPND (L-LPND). This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 and AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) guidelines. Utilizing the RevMan 5.3.5 statistical package from the Cochrane Collaboration, a random-effects model was employed. Six eligible studies involving 652 patients (316 and 336 in the R-LPND and L-LPND groups, respectively) were retrieved. The robotic approach demonstrated favourable outcomes compared with the laparoscopic approach, manifesting in lower morbidity rates, reduced urinary complications, shorter hospital stays, and a higher number of harvested lateral pelvic lymph nodes. However, longer operative time was associated with the robotic approach. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding major complications, anastomotic leak, intra-abdominal infection, neurological complications, LPND time, overall recurrence, and local recurrence. In summary, the robotic approach is a safe and feasible alternative for Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) with LPND in advanced rectal cancer. Notably, it is associated with lower morbidity, particularly a reduction in urinary complications, a shorter hospital stay and increased number of harvested lateral pelvic nodes. The trade-off for these benefits is a longer operative time.

The machine learning-based model for lateral lymph node metastasis of thyroid medullary carcinoma improved the prediction ability of occult metastasis.

For medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with no positive findings in the lateral neck before surgery, whether prophylactic lateral neck dissection (LND) is needed remains controversial. A better way to predict occult metastasis in the lateral neck is needed. From January 2010 to January 2022, patients who were diagnosed with MTC and underwent primary surgery at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. We collected the patients' baseline characteristics, surgical procedure, and rescored the ultrasound images of the primary lesions using American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS). Regularized logistic regression, 5-fold cross-validation and decision curve analysis was applied for lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) model's development and validation. Then, we tested the predictive ability of the LLNM model for occult LLNM in cN0-1a patients. A total of 218 patients were enrolled. Five baseline characteristics and two TI-RADS features were identified as high-risk factors for LLNM: gender, baseline calcitonin (Ctn), tumor size, multifocality, and central lymph node (CLN) status, as well as TI-RADS margin and level. A LLNM model was developed and showed a good discrimination with 5-fold cross-validation mean area under curve (AUC) = 0.92 ± 0.03 in the test dataset. Among cN0-1a patients, our LLNM model achieved an AUC of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.94) for predicting occult LLNM, which was significantly higher than the AUCs of baseline Ctn (0.83) and CLN status (0.64). We developed a LLNM prediction model for MTC using machine learning based on clinical baseline characteristics and TI-RADS. Our model can predict occult LLNM for cN0-1a patients more accurately, then benefit the decision of prophylactic LND.

Recurrence of rectal cancer on the pelvic sidewall after lateral lymph node dissection

PurposeAlthough lateral lymph node dissection has been performed to prevent lateral pelvic recurrence in locally advanced lower rectal cancer, the incidence of lateral pelvic recurrence after this procedure has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent lateral pelvic lymph node dissection, with a particular focus on recurrence patterns.MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted at a single high-volume cancer center in Japan. A total of 493 consecutive patients with stage II-III rectal cancer who underwent lateral lymph node dissection between January 2005 and August 2022 were included. The primary outcome measures included patterns of recurrence, overall survival, and relapse-free survival. Patterns of recurrence were categorized as lateral or central pelvic.ResultsAmong patients who underwent lateral lymph node dissection, 18.1% had pathologically positive lateral lymph node metastasis. Lateral pelvic recurrence occurred in 5.5% of patients after surgery. Multivariate analysis identified age > 75 years, lateral lymph node metastasis, and adjuvant chemotherapy as independent risk factors for lateral pelvic recurrence. Evaluation of the recurrence rate by dissection area revealed approximately 1% of recurrences in each area after dissection.ConclusionWe demonstrated the prognostic outcome and limitations of lateral lymph node dissection for patients with advanced lower rectal cancer, focusing on the incidence of recurrence in the lateral area after the dissection. Our study emphasizes the clinical importance of lateral lymph node dissection, which is an essential technique that surgeons should acquire.

MRI navigation surgery, including lateral pelvic lymph node dissection following chemoradiotherapy, improves local control and functional preservation of the middle to low rectal cancer

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the appropriateness of MRI navigation surgery following chemoradiotherapy (CRT), including lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) for middle to low rectal cancer. MethodsForty-three consecutive patients with cT2-4b rectal cancer within 10 cm from the anal verge who underwent laparoscopic radical surgery following CRT (45–50.4Gy + S1 80mg/m2) from January 2014 and February 2020 were analyzed. We decided on the operative procedure, including LLND, based on the restaging MRI. We examined the rates of 3-year postoperative local pelvic recurrence, permanent stoma, and recurrent risk factors (Group S). We also compared the results to that of the fourteen patients who enrolled in the previous phase II trial and underwent laparoscopic radical surgery following CRT (40Gy + S-1 (80mg/m2) or UFT (300 mg/m2)) for consecutive cT2-4b rectal cancer below the peritoneal reflection. The operative procedure was decided at the initial MRI diagnosis, and the LLND was not performed (Group P). ResultsWe had no local pelvic recurrence in Group S, and the three-year local pelvic recurrence-free survival was significantly better in Group S than P (100 % in S 85.1 % in P, p < 0.05). The permanent stoma rate was not different between the Groups, irrespective of the significantly high rate of cCRM(+) in Group S. The Cox proportional hazards model for significant factors of recurrence on the univariate analysis revealed that ycM and ycEMVI scores were independently significant (p < 0.001). ConclusionMRI navigation surgery, including LLND for rectal cancer following chemoradiotherapy, improves local control and functional preservation.