Lymphadenectomy for malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Studies from specialized and high volume centers revealed an improved overall survival for patients subjected to extended lymphadenectomy. The drawbacks of radical lymph node dissection seem to be represented in higher rates of morbidity and mortality and thus are correlated to the surgical expertise of the respective institution. Especially patients in the early stages of metastatic lymph node spread benefit from extended and more radical lymphadenectomy. In a retrospective analysis of this institution's own patients, a pN0 category pT stage and the amount of retrieved lymph nodes have been found to be independent prognostic factors. In patients with up to six positive nodes (pN1) pT stage, the number of retrieved nodes, the number of positive nodes and R stage are correlated to survival prognosis. If more than six nodes are invaded only the amount of metastatic nodes and R stage are relevant prognostic factors. It will be of upmost interest to compare these data with analyses from regional and national cancer registers for gastric and esophageal cancer. As so far no reliable procedure for preoperative determination of lymphatic spread exists, the recommendations by the respective research organizations will have to be adopted until further notice, which is D2 lymphadenectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer and 2-field lymphadenectomy for patients with advanced esophageal cancer. Due to higher complication rates for patients subjected to radical lymphadenectomy, it is recommended that these procedures be performed in specialized high volume centers with corresponding surgical experience.