Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Approach for Lateral Pelvic Node Dissection in Rectal Cancer: Techniques and Short-Term Outcomes

Background Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection has been performed selectively in rectal cancer cases; however, it involves highly skilled techniques because of the complex adjacent anatomical structures. Materials and Methods Laparoscopic EP-LPND was performed in Korea University Anam Hospital from June 2018, and short-term surgical outcomes were analyzed from June to December 2018. Among the patients with histologically diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma, patients who were suspected Lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis at magnetic resonance imaging were selected for this procedure. Results Seven patients underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in the study period. The mean number of retrieved lymph node was 4.57, and metastatic lymph nodes were identified in 3 patients (42.8%). All of the lymph nodes with suspected metastasis preoperatively were removed in postoperative images. There was no immediate postoperative complication beyond the moderate grade associated with lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. The median follow-up was 9 months, and there were no local recurrence nor complications related to sexual and voiding functions. Conclusions The laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach might be an efficient way to perform lateral pelvic lymph node dissection using the same principles as the conventional method without violation of the peritoneum.