Lateral lymph node dissection with preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced lower rectal cancer through a laparoscopic approach

摘要

Background Lateral lymph node (LLN) dissection contributes to a decrease in local recurrence and prolongs survival in locally advanced lower rectal cancer patients as compared with total mesorectal excision (TME) alone [1, 2]. However, this procedure is also accompanied by increased bleeding and postoperative complications [3, 4]. Recently, laparoscopic TME has become a safe and feasible approach for lower rectal cancer even after preoperative chemoradiation [5–7]. Laparoscopic LLN dissection could be the next promising approach and could not only provide a survival benefit but also minimize bleeding and postoperative complications with enhanced visualization, as reported in gynecological and urological malignancies [8, 9].