Abstract:
The extent of lymph node dissection has been a relevant issue in gastric cancer surgery. Although D2 lymphadenectomy has been increasingly regarded as the standard surgical procedure for advanced gastric cancer, the dispute exists in whether extended lymphadenectomy can bring more survival benefit. The metastatic rate of No.14v lymph nodes is relatively high in advanced distal gastric cancer. D2 plus No.14v lymph node dissection may contribute to improved survival for gastric cancer patients with obvious No.6 lymph node metastasis. Although gastric cancer with para-aortic lymph node metastasis is considered as M1 disease beyond surgical cure, several studies revealed that these patients may benefit from D2 plus No.16a2/b1 lymph node dissection. D2 plus No.13 lymphadenectomy may be an option in a potentially curative gastrectomy for tumors invading the duodenum. The purpose of this article is to explore the value of extended lymph node dissection in gastric cancer and to provide the basis for extended lymph node dissection. The progress of extended lymph node dissection in advanced distal gastric cancer is reviewed in this article.