Lymph node under-sampling still common in USA

摘要

Overall, 29% of patients inthe cohort (n=10 807) had at least 15 lymph nodes resected. The median number of lymph nodes increased from nine to ten after 1997, suggesting that the guidelines did little to change practice.Analysis also showed wide regional variations, andalinkbetween improved survival and adequate lymph-node assessment. Median overall survival was highest (33 months) in the region with the best compliance (53%), and lowest (17 months) where compliance was poorest (20%). Assessment of at least 15 lymph nodes benefited patients with early-stage disease the most.