Prognostic value of apical lymph node metastasis at the inferior mesenteric artery in sigmoid and rectal cancer patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery

摘要

Background and Objectives Evidence supporting the importance of apical lymph nodes (LNs) and the potential long-term impact of LN metastases at the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) lymphectomy remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LNs at the IMA (IMA-LN) in sigmoid and rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.