Laparoscopic Lymph Node Dissection Research Articles

Pure laparoscopic radical resection for type IIIa hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundPure laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is still a challenging procedure, in which laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, hemihepatectomy with caudate lobectomy, and hepaticojejunostomy were included [1–4]. Relative report is rare in the world up to now. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma has a poor prognosis, especially when it occurs with lymph node metastasis or vessel invasion [5, 6]. We recently had a patient who underwent a pure laparoscopic extended right hepatectomy and lymph node dissection and hepaticojejunostomy for a type IIIa hilar cholangiocarcinoma.MethodsThe tumor was 20 × 15 × 12 mm in diameter and located in the right bile duct and common hepatic duct. Radiological examination showed that hepatic artery and portal vein was not invaded. After the division and mutilation of the right hepatic artery and the right portal vein, short hepatic veins were divided and cut off with clip and ultrasound knife from the anterior face of the vena cava. Mobilization was performed after the devascularization of the right liver, followed by the transection of liver parenchymal with CUSA and ultrasound knife. Finally, left hepatic bile duct jejunum Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed.ResultsThis patient underwent successfully with a totally laparoscopic procedure. An extended right hepatectomy (right hemihepatectomy combined with caudate lobectomy) and complete lymph node dissection and hepaticojejunostomy were performed in this operation. The operation time was nearly 590 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was about 300 ml. No obvious complication was observed and the postoperative hospital stay was 11 days. The final diagnosis of the hilar cholangiocarcinoma with no lymph node metastasis was pT2bN0M0 stage II (American Joint Committee on Cancer, AJCC).ConclusionsPure laparoscopic resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma was proved safe and feasible, which enabled the patient to recover early and have an opportunity to receive chemotherapy as soon as possible. We present a video of the described procedure.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy and Lymph Node Dissection in Modified Supine Position

To explore the feasibility of extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (EL-RNU) and lymph node dissection in a modified supine position for managing urothelial carcinomas in the renal pelvis or in the upper two-thirds of the ureter. Consecutively from January 2014 to October 2015, 15 patients with high-risk urothelial carcinoma in the renal pelvis or in the upper two-thirds of the ureter underwent EL-RNU and extraperitoneal laparoscopic lymph node dissection (EL-LND). Clinical and pathologic data, histologic nodal status, perioperative complications, and recurrence data were collected. All of the 15 patients were treated with EL-RNU and EL-LND in a modified supine position, and none was converted to open surgery. The mean operation time was 178 ± 18 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 140 ± 40 mL. The mean postoperative intestinal function recovery time was 2 days. The mean postoperative hospitalization was 7 ± 1 days. Pathologic studies revealed positive lymph nodes in 3 patients (20%). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 12 ± 3. No local recurrence and distant metastasis were found after a median follow-up of 14.4 months (7-23 months). EL-RNU and EL-LND in the modified supine position are mini-invasive and feasible for patients with urothelial carcinoma in the renal pelvis or in the upper two-thirds of the ureter. Good exposure and dissection of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava and the integrity of the peritoneum are key to the operational success of this approach.

Extraperitoneal lymph node dissection in locally advanced cervical cancer; the prognostic factors associated with survival.

Objective:Surgical staging was recently recommended for the decision of treatment in locally advanced cervical cancer. We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes as well as factors associated with overall survival (OS) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who had undergone extraperitoneal lymph node dissection and were managed according to their lymph node status.Material and Methods:The medical records of 233 women with stage IIb-IVa cervical cancer who were clinically staged and underwent extraperitoneal lymph node dissection were retrospectively reviewed. Paraaortic lymph node status determined the appropriate radiotherapeutic treatment field. Surgery-related complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated.Results:The median age of the patients was 52 years (range, 26-88 years) and the median follow-up time was 28.4 months (range, 3-141 months). Thirty-one patients had laparoscopic extraperitoneal lymph node dissection and 202 patients underwent laparotomy. The number of paraaortic lymph nodes extracted was similar for both techniques. Sixty-two (27%) of the 233 patients had paraaortic lymph node metastases. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 55.1% and 46.5%, respectively. The stage of disease, number of metastatic paraaortic lymph nodes, tumor type, and paraaortic lymph node status were associated with OS. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, tumor type, stage, and presence of paraaortic lymph node metastases were the independent prognostic factors of OS.Conclusion:Paraaortic lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor affecting survival. Surgery would give hints about the prognosis and treatment planning of the patient.

Three-dimensional computed tomography simulation for laparoscopic lymph node dissection in the treatment of proximal gastric cancer.

Application of laparoscopic surgery (LS) has expanded worldwide in the various fields due to the potential advantage of being less invasive than open surgery; however difficulty in recognizing positional relationship of the organs is one of the disadvantages of this kind of surgery. In order to compensate this drawback, preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) simulation is regarded as promising. In gastric cancer surgery, 3D-CT simulation seems particularly effective in the splenic hilar dissection, because this region is associated with remarkable anatomical variation with complexity. As effects from the use of 3D-CT simulation, reduction of blood loss or complication rate, shortening of operation time and enhancement of surgical quality are expected. In this article, we introduce our methodological protocol of 3D-CT simulation in gastric cancer surgery with clinical case examples, and also additionally review previous publications reporting this imaging technology.

Radical Lymph Node Dissection Along the Proximal Splenic Artery During Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Using the Left Lateral Approach.

Recent technical improvements allow safe laparoscopic lymph node dissection (LND) in gastric cancer.1 , 2 In suprapancreatic LND, careful LND around the celiac artery (CA) is essential. From a patient's right side, deep LND is performed around the right side of the CA after dissecting around the common hepatic artery (CHA). For LND around the left side of the CA on the same operative axis as the right side, we developed a new procedure for LND along the proximal splenic artery (SA), performed from the patient's left side. After LND around the CHA and right side of the CA from the patient's right side, the surgeon then moves to the patient's left side. The anterior pancreatic fascia is cut at the middle point of the SA to discern the dorsal layer of the LN along the SA, such as the splenic vein. LND is performed by preserving the posterior pancreatic fascia around the SA in a left-to-right direction. Finally, the LNs around the left side of the CA are deeply dissected. We performed this procedure on ten patients between April 2016 and January 2017; no operative complications were reported in grade II or higher cancer patients.3 After exposing the dorsal landmark, LNs around the proximal SA and left side of the CA were removed in all patients. This procedure enables early identification of the dorsal layer and deep LND around the left side of the CA, keeping this layer. The left lateral approach is useful for radical LND along the proximal SA.

Spleen-preserving lymphadenectomy versus splenectomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer

BackgroundTo investigate the optimal approach for laparoscopic splenic hilum lymph node dissection in proximal advanced gastric cancer, we compared the operative outcomes between laparoscopic spleen-preserving total gastrectomy (sp-LTG) and laparoscopic total gastrectomy with splenectomy (sr-LTG). MethodsA retrospective case-cohort study was conducted between February 2006 and December 2012. The operative outcomes, the number of retrieved splenic hilum lymph node, complication, and patients' survivals were analyzed. Results112 patients who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with or without splenectomy for advanced gastric cancer were enrolled (68 sp-LTGs and 44 sr-LTGs). The mean operation time (227 min vs. 224 min, p = 0.762), estimated blood loss (157 ml vs. 164 ml, p = 0.817), and complication rate (17.6% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.572) were not different between two groups. Regarding splenic lymph node dissection, there were significantly differences in the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes between sp-LTG and sr-LTG (LN no.10; 1.78 vs. 3.21, p = 0.033, LN no.11d; 1.41 vs. 2.76, p = 0.004). The 5-year survivals were 77.3% in sp-LTG and 65.9% in sr-LTG (p = 0.240). The hazard ratio of splenectomy was 1.139 (95% confidence interval 0.514–2.526, p = 0.748). ConclusionIn laparoscopic total gastrectomy for proximal advanced gastric cancer, spleen-preserving hilar dissection showed comparable short-term and long-term outcomes.

Development of lymph node dissection in laparoscopic gastrectomy: safety and technical tips.

With the accumulation of experience in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and the progress in surgical instruments, the laparoscopic technique has been widely applied in gastric cancer. Combining previous reports with data from our center, we believe that laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer is safe and feasible, and its surgery-related complications have an incidence that is not higher, and perhaps even lower, than that of traditional laparotomy. However, the stomach has many anatomical levels and an abundant blood supply; additionally, laparoscopic surgery is relatively difficult. Therefore, understanding the normal gastric peripheral vascular anatomy and variation, selecting an appropriate surgical approach, applying programmed surgical procedures and team cooperation, and paying attention to the details in lymph node dissection are keys to a successful laparoscopic lymph node dissection in gastric cancer.

Strategies of laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection for advanced proximal gastric cancer

For advanced proximal gastric cancer (GC), splenic hilar (No. 10) lymph nodes are crucial links in lymphatic drainage. According to the 14th edition of the Japanese GC treatment guidelines, a D2 lymphadenectomy is the standard surgery for advanced GC, and No. 10 lymph nodes should be dissected for advanced proximal GC. In recent years, the preservation of organ function and the use of minimally invasive technology are being accepted by an increasing number of clinicians. Laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection has become more accepted and is gradually being used in operations. However, because of the complexity of splenic hilar anatomy, mastering the strategies for laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection is critical for successfully completing the operation.

The Role of Surgery for Melanoma in an Era of Effective Systemic Therapy.

The recent discovery of effective systemic treatments for melanoma has dramatically improved the prognosis for patients with advanced disease. As a result, the multidisciplinary management of melanoma has evolved significantly. In the past decades surgery was reserved for symptomatic palliation in patients with metastatic melanoma. Today surgical treatment of patients responding to systemic therapies has become an integral part of disease control. Current efforts are focused on minimizing the morbidity of surgery (laparoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection, selective completion lymphadenectomy) as well as combining surgery with systemic therapy in novel ways (neoadjuvant targeted and/or immunotherapy, isolated limb infusion/perfusion with systemic immunotherapy). This review examines the use of surgery for advanced melanoma in the era predating modern systemic therapy as well as potential applications moving forward.

Laparoscopic lymph node dissection at the time of nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract cancer. Current issues and our experience.

Laparoscopic lymph node dissection at the time of nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract cancer. Current issues and our experience.

左側方リンパ節単独転移に対し腹腔鏡下手術を施行した直腸神経内分泌腫瘍の1例

左側方リンパ節単独転移に対し腹腔鏡下手術を施行した直腸神経内分泌腫瘍の1例

Since surgery isn't getting any easier, why is reimbursement going down? An update from the SGO taskforce on coding and reimbursement

In 2015, there was an 18% reduction in the Relative Value Units (RVUs) that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) assigned to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 58571 (Laparoscopy, surgical, with total hysterectomy, for uterus 250g or less; with removal of tube(s) and/or ovary(s)→TLH+BSO). The other CPT codes for laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (58541–58544 and 58570–58573) lost between 12 and 23% of their assigned RVUs. In 2016, the laparoscopic lymph node dissection codes 38570 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with retroperitoneal lymph node sampling (biopsy), single or multiple), 38571 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy), and 38572 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy), single or multiple) lost between 5.5 and 16.3% of their RVU's.The goals of this article from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Task force on Coding and Reimbursement are 1) to inform the SGO members on why CMS identified these codes as a part of their misvalued services screening program and then finalized a reduction in their payment levels; and 2) outline the role individual providers have in CMS' methodology used to determine the reimbursement of a surgical procedure.

P022 - Laparoscopic salvage lymph node dissection in biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy and salvage radiotherapy. Feasibility, security, and results

P022 - Laparoscopic salvage lymph node dissection in biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy and salvage radiotherapy. Feasibility, security, and results

Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection to Select Clinically Node-negative Prostate Cancer Patients for Pelvic Radiation Therapy: Effect on Biochemical Recurrence and Systemic Progression

To assess the efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection (SLND) to select those patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who would benefit from additional pelvic external beam radiation therapy and long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Radioisotope-guided SLND was performed in 224 clinically node-negative patients scheduled to undergo external beam radiation therapy. Patients with histologically positive SLNs (pN1) were also offered radiation therapy to the pelvic lymph nodes, combined with 3years of ADT. Biochemical recurrence (BCR), overall survival, and metastasis-free (including pelvic and nonregional lymph nodes) survival (MFS) rates were retrospectively calculated. The Briganti and Kattan nomogram predictions were compared with the observed pN status and BCR. The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value was 15.4ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 8-29). A total number of 834 SLNs (median 3 per patient; IQR 2-5) were removed. Nodal metastases were diagnosed in 42% of the patients, with 150 SLNs affected (median 1; IQR 1-2). The 5-year BCR-free and MFS rates for pN0 patients were 67.9% and 87.8%, respectively. The corresponding values for pN1 patients were 43% and 66.6%. The PSA level and number of removed SLNs were independent predictors of BCR and MFS, and pN status was an additional independent predictor of BCR. The 5-year overall survival rate was 97.6% and correlated only with pN status. The predictive accuracy of the Briganti nomogram was 0.665. Patients in the higher quartiles of Kattan nomogram prediction of BCR had better than expected outcomes. The complication rate from SLND was 8.9%. For radioisotope-guided SLND, the high staging accuracy is accompanied by low morbidity. The better than expected outcomes observed in the lower quartiles of BCR prediction suggest a role for SLN biopsy as a potential selection tool for the addition of pelvic radiation therapy and ADT intensification in pN1 patients.

Strategy of laparoscopic suprapancreatic lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer

The lymph nodes (LNs) that distribute along the celiac artery (CA) system in the suprapancreatic area include LNs around the root of the left gastric vessels (No. 7, No. 8a, No. 9 and No. 11p) and the right gastric vessels (No. 5 and No. 12a). Due to the high rate of LNs metastasis and the various vascular anatomies in this area, the suprapancreatic LN dissection is a crucial and demanding procedure for radical resection in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 LN dissection has not yet been widely adopted for advanced stages because it is technically complicated. The initial segment of the splenic artery (SpA) approach is recommended as the ideal approach for laparoscopic suprapancreatic LN dissection in AGC.

The Surgical Technique of Laparoscopic Lymph Node Dissection Around the Inferior Mesenteric Artery with Preservation of Superior Rectal Artery and Vein for Treatment of the Sigmoid and Rectal Cancer.

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is usually divided during the resection of sigmoid colon and rectal cancers. However, this sometimes results in a vein (SRA\V) insufficient blood supply to the anastomosis, leading to anastomotic leakage. We summarized the experience of laparoscopy surgery approach to perform the D3 lymph node dissection with preserving the superior rectal artery and vein. Our method involves peeling off the vascular sheath from the inferior mesenteric vessel to the superior rectal vessel and dissection of the lymph node around the IMA together with the sheath. The feasibility outcomes of the technique were evaluated in 36 cases of laparoscopic resection of sigmoid and rectal cancer. Our method involves peeling off the vascular sheath from the inferior mesenteric vessel to the superior rectal vessel and dissection of the lymph node around the IMA together with the sheath. The feasibility of the technique was evaluated in 36 consecutive cases of laparoscopic resection of sigmoid and rectal cancer. Patients with sigmoid or rectal cancer underwent operation via the present laparoscopic approach. No serious complications related to the approach were encountered. The number of cleared lymph nodes was 17 (range 10-35). The operation time was 200 (range 160-300) minutes. The blood loss was 50 (range 20-100) mL. Anastomotic leakage never occurred in these patients without preoperative chemoradiation therapy, the patients had quick convalescence, as evaluated by the recovery of flatus passage (2.8 ± 1.5 days), postoperative hospitalization (10.8 ± 4.6 days), degree of postoperative pain for 48 hours (2.5 ± 0.5, visual analog scale), duration of postoperative ambulation (1.5 ± 0.5 days), and drainage tube removal time (1.0 ± 0.4 days). Our method allows equivalent laparoscopic lymph node dissection to the preservation of the SRA\V technique without excessive operative time, complications, or bleeding. It seems to be a promising and feasible technique for these patients with sigmoid and rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic radical lymph node dissection for advanced colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure.

Complete mesocolic excision is currently recognized as a standard procedure for colon cancer. Gastroepiploic, infrapyloric, and superficial pancreatic head lymph node metastases in the gastrocolic ligament have been reported for colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure. We sought to investigate metastases in the gastrocolic ligament in colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure. This was a single-center retrospective study. All patients with T2 or deeper invasive colon cancer in the relevant tumor location who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy or extended right hemicolectomy at our institution between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2015 were included. Lymph node dissection in the gastrocolic ligament was performed in 35 cases. Complications occurred in 11 patients (31%) and were grades I and II according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Lymph node metastases in the gastrocolic ligament were found in only three patients (9%). Each metastasis was larger than 9 mm. Metastases in the gastrocolic ligament occurred in 9% of patients with T2 or deeper invasive colon cancer close to the hepatic flexure. Laparoscopy was feasible and useful during gastrocolic ligament resection. This study included a small sample and lacked an extended follow-up. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of this finding, particularly in terms of recurrence and long-term survival.

Lanthanum deposition in the gastrointestinal mucosa and regional lymph nodes in dialysis patients: Analysis of surgically excised specimens and review of the literature

Lanthanum carbonate (LC) is one of the most potent phosphate binders currently used to reduce serum phosphate levels in dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). LC forms insoluble complexes with dietary phosphate that pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with little absorption. GI lesions due to lanthanum deposition in biopsy specimens or those in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in dialysis patients have been recently identified. Here, we describe more detailed histopathological findings in the gastroduodenal mucosa and regional lymph nodes in three patients with gastric cancer. Three patients with ESRD, two elderly women and one man, underwent dialysis and were treated with LC for 3–36 months. The patients underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and lymph node dissection due to gastric cancer. Many subepithelial histiocyte aggregates or small foreign body granulomas, which contained gray or brown pigments or crystal-like structures, were mostly present in non-neoplastic areas of the upper GI. Lanthanum accumulation was noted in the duodenal mucosa and the antral and body mucosae of the gastric lesser curvature. Lanthanum was also deposited in the regional lymph nodes of the three patients. Electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed lanthanum and phosphorus deposits in histiocytes. Long-term prognosis of patients and the excretion or the metabolic pathway of accumulated lanthanum remain unclear.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving hilar lymph node dissection through pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic approach in patients with gastric cancer.

BackgroundThe conventional radical resection of proximal gastric cancer is even more risky when performed laparoscopically, though this technique is widely used in gastrointestinal surgery and is accepted as the superior method. This paper explores the feasibility of laparoscopic spleen-preserving hilar lymph node dissection using a retro-pancreatic approach for the treatment of proximal gastric cancer.MethodsTwo cadavers were dissected for examination of and the pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic spaces. Following the dissection of the cadavers, ten live patients with proximal gastric cancer from May 2008 to May 2013 at Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China, were given total gastrectomy and adjuvant splenic hilar lymph node clearance through pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic approach on the precondition of preserving the pancreas and spleen. The clinicopathologic characteristics, as well as the intraoperative and postoperative variables affecting the procedure, were observed and analyzed.ResultsAnatomy of the space anterior and posterior to the pancreas in the two cadavers demonstrated the feasibility of pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic approach. The surgeries were all successfully performed laparoscopically; conversion to laparotomy was not necessary for any of the ten patients. The overall mean operative time was 243.6 ± 45 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 232 ± 80 ml. At the time of follow-up (median 12 months post-surgery), there had been neither local recurrence nor mortality in any of the patients.ConclusionLaparoscopic spleen- and pancreas-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection during total gastrectomy, using both pre-pancreatic and retro-pancreatic approaches, is indicated as a safe and feasible method for the treatment of proximal gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection in prostate cancer patients: the additional value depends on preoperative data.

In intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients, to avoid extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND), the updated Briganti nomogram is recommended with the cost of missing 1.5% of patients with lymph node invasion (LNI). Is it possible to reduce the percentage of unexpected LNI patients (nomogram false negative)? We used the isotopic sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique systematically associated with laparoscopic ePLND to assess the potential value of isotopic SLN method to adress this point. Two hundred and two consecutive patients had procedures with isotopic SLN detection associated with laparoscopic ePLND for high or intermediate risk of PC. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to quantify the accuracy of different models as: the updated Briganti nomogram, the percentage of positive cores, and an equation of the best predictors of LNI. We tested the model cutoffs associated with an optimal negative predictive value (NPV) and the best cutoff associated with avoiding false negative SLN detection, in order to assist the clinician's decision of when to spare ePLND. LNI was detected in 35 patients (17.2%). Based on preoperative primary Gleason grade and percentage of positive cores, a bivariate model was built to calculate a combined score reflecting the risk of LNI. For the Briganti nomogram, the 5% probability cutoff avoided ePLND in 53% (108/202) of patients, missing three LNI patients (8.6%), but all were detected by the SLN technique. For our bivariate model, the best cutoff was <10, leaving no patient with LNI due to positive SLN detection (four patients = 11.4%), and avoiding ePLND in 52% (105/202) of patients. For patients with a low risk of LNI determined using the updated Briganti nomogram or bivariate model, SLN technique could be used alone for lymph node staging in intermediate- or high-risk PC patients.