以胰腺为中心的远端胃癌D2淋巴结清扫术疗效分析

目的探讨以胰腺为中心的远端胃癌D2淋巴结清扫术的手术路径可行性及临床意义。方法选取我院自2012年3月至2012年2月收治的确诊为进展期远端胃癌患者26例,采取以胰腺为中心的D2淋巴结清扫术,记录手术时间、出血数量、淋巴结数目,观察术后并发症情况。结果26例手术均成功完成;术中出血量50～200mL,平均110mL;术后淋巴结清扫数目16～35个,平均26个。术后有1例出现腹腔出血并发症,1例出现淋巴漏并发症,经治疗后均痊愈出院;随访1个月至1年,无局部复发及远处转移病例,无死亡病例。结论以胰腺为中心的远端胃癌D2淋巴结清扫术,安全可行,并发症发生率低。     

托出式胰后入路脾门淋巴结清扫在腹腔镜胃癌根治术中的临床应用

目的探讨经腹腔镜胰后入路脾托出式脾门淋巴结清扫术在近端胃癌根治术中应用的可行性、安全性,并初步分析其解剖特点。方法采用回顾性队列研究方法,收集2014年6月至2017年1月宜宾市第二人民医院收治的84例进展期近端胃癌患者的临床资料。其中44例为观察组,采用经腹腔镜托出式胰后入路法;40例为对照组,采用经腹腔镜左侧入路法。所有手术均由同一团队完成。观察并比较2组患者手术情况、术后情况、随访情况。结果 84例患者均顺利完成根治性全胃切除术(D2根治术),成功保留脾,完成第10组淋巴结清扫,未中转开腹。观察组与对照组术中出血量分别为(107.9±52.9)m L和(153.1±72.2)m L,手术时间分别为(228.8±27.7)min和(244.7±31.3)min,第10组淋巴结清扫数量分别为(5.0±2.2)枚和(2.9±1.3)枚。2组术中出血量、手术时间、第10组淋巴结清扫数量比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组与对照组术后首次下床活动时间分别为(1.6±0.4)d和(1.5±0.4)d,术后肛门排气时间分别为(2.9±0.8)d和(2.6±0.5)d,术后住院时间分别为(7.5±1.4)d和(7.0±1.3)d。观察组术后发生并发症4例,对照组术后发生并发症5例,均经非手术治疗痊愈。2组术后首次下床时间、肛门排气时间、术后住院时间、并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。84例患者中共82例获得随访,随访时间为6~36个月,中位随访时间为15.5个月,随访中2组分别有1例因癌性腹水死亡。结论经腹腔镜胰后入路脾托出式脾门淋巴结清扫术可行性较高,与常规腹腔镜左侧入路相比,能减少术中出血量,缩短手术时间,增加第10组淋巴结清扫率。     

微创远端胃癌手术结合D2淋巴结清扫治疗胃癌的临床疗效分析

目的探讨微创远端胃癌手术结合D2淋巴结清扫治疗胃癌的临床疗效。方法选择我院2010年9月至2012年9月收治的胃癌手术患者95例,剔除2例腹腔中转开腹患者共计纳入93例作为研究对象。按照手术方式的不同将93例患者分为观察组43例和对照组50例。观察组采用微创远端胃癌手术结合D2淋巴结清扫,对照组采用开腹手术结合D2淋巴结清扫。比较2组患者术中出血量、下床活动时间、手术时间、住院时间、淋巴结清扫数目、术后并发症发生情况,及随访1年、3年和5年复发转移和死亡情况。结果观察组术中出血量少于对照组,下床活动时间早于对照组,住院时间短于对照组,2组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);而2组手术时间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。2组清扫第一站淋巴结数、第二站淋巴结数和清扫淋巴结总数比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组术后并发症发生率(6.98%)低于对照组(22.00%),2组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。2组患者随访1年、3年和5年复发转移率和病死率均较低,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论微创远端胃癌手术结合D2淋巴结清扫对胃癌患者临床疗效显著,术中出血量少,术后恢复快,并发症少,且远期随访复发转移和死亡少。     

进展期胃癌腹腔镜辅助与开腹D2根治术中淋巴结清扫效果的对照研究

目的 探讨进展期胃癌腹腔镜辅助与开腹D2根治术两种术式中对淋巴结清扫的临床效果。方法 选取平煤神马集团总医院肿瘤科2013年3月—2016年3月行根治术的98例进展期胃癌患者资料进行回顾性研究。根据手术方式分为两组:腹腔镜组50例,其中男23例、女27例,年龄32~56岁;开腹组48例,男22例、女26例,年龄33~56岁;分别行腹腔镜辅助和开腹进展期胃癌D2根治术。比较两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结清扫数目,术后排气、恢复进食和住院时间。结果 与开腹组比较,腹腔镜组患者手术时间长,术中出血量少,术后排气时间、进食时间、住院时间均短,差异均有统计学意义(P值均＜0.01)。腹腔镜组和开腹组淋巴结清扫总数分别为(19.32±1.42)枚和(20.01±3.22)枚,第一站淋巴结清扫数量分别为(15.82±8.23)枚和(16.93±9.12)枚,第二站淋巴结清扫数量分别为(4.83±0.23)枚和(4.92±0.63)枚,差异均无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05)。结论 腹腔镜辅助与开腹进展期胃癌D2根治术,两种术式的腹腔淋巴结清扫效果基本无差异;但腹腔镜辅助手术损伤小,患者术后恢复更快,值得临床推广应用。     

Focus超声刀在下咽癌及颈淋巴结清扫术中的临床应用价值

目的探讨Focus超声刀在下咽癌及颈淋巴结清扫术中的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析2009年1月—2013年12月安徽医科大学第一附属医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科同一手术组完成的59例下咽癌手术的临床资料,其中采用Focus超声刀进行切割、止血26例(超声刀组),采用电刀及传统结扎、缝合手术33例(传统组)。比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、颈部淋巴结清扫数目、术后24 h引流量、术后住院时间及手术并发症发生情况。结果超声刀组手术时间、术中出血量、术后24 h引流量及术后住院时间分别为(193.69依43.16) min、(82.85依14.04) mL、(54.46依8.17) mL、(15.00依5.70)d,传统组分别为(303.27依26.24) min、(132.85依10.83) mL、(94.82依13.04) mL、(22.79依12.45)d,两组比较差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为11.393、15.454、14.522、3.193, P值均<0.01)。两组颈部淋巴结清扫数目及手术并发症发生率差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05)。结论用Focus超声刀行下咽癌及颈淋巴结清扫术安全可靠,具有创伤小、术中出血少、不影响颈部淋巴结清扫数目、手术时间短、术后渗出少及痊愈快的优势,值得临床推广应用。     

三角吻合技术、Uncut Roux-en-Y吻合在腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术消化道重建中的应用效果比较

目的探究三角吻合技术、Uncut Roux-en-Y吻合在腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术消化道重建中的应用效果。方法选取2017年5月～2019年1月于我院行腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术消化道重建的76例胃癌患者为研究对象,根据消化道重建方式的不同分为研究组与对照组,每组各38例。对照组患者给予三角吻合技术,研究组患者采用Uncut Roux-en-Y吻合技术。比较两组患者手术情况(手术时间、重建时间、术中出血量、淋巴结清扫数目)、术后情况(胃管留置时间、首次排气时间、进流质饮食时间、首次下床活动时间、住院时间)及并发症(腹腔出血、腹腔淋巴瘘、肠梗阻、腹腔感染)发生情况。结果研究组患者手术时间、重建时间均明显大于对照组,但术中出血量、首次排气时间、进流质饮食时间明显小于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者淋巴结清扫数目,胃管留置时间,首次下床活动时间,住院时间,腹腔出血、腹腔淋巴瘘、肠梗阻、腹腔感染等并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论三角吻合技术、Uncut Roux-en-Y吻合在腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术消化道重建中的应用效果均较好,安全性高,三角吻合技术手术时间较短,Uncut Roux-en-Y吻合术中出血量少,患者术后进食时间早。     

胃癌腹腔镜手术与胃癌开腹手术的效果对比观察

目的：腹腔镜与传统开放近端胃癌根治术的近端胃癌根治术的研究比较的优点和缺点的临床疗效。方法从2012年1月~2014年1月已与89例需手术治疗的近端胃癌的标准治疗的患者,根据知情同意的原则,随机分为腹腔镜治疗组(病例组)与传统手术治疗组(对照组),两组手术治疗记录分析(手术时间,术中情况,术中出血量,清扫淋巴结的数目),术后恢复(使用肛门排气,排便时间,术后下床活动时间,镇痛和最高温度),T淋巴细胞和外周血NK细胞活性,术后1年生存率和肿瘤复发,两组间的差异无统计学意义。结果病例组手术时间(236.2±43.5)min长于对照组(201.2±33.5)min(<0.05),病例组,术中出血量、淋巴结清扫,数量,肛门排气,排便时间,术后镇痛药的使用,术后卧床时间,温度,T淋巴细胞活性及NK细胞活性明显高于对照组(<0.05),两组术后1年生存率和肿瘤复发无显著性差异(跃0.05)。结论腹腔镜胃近端癌根治术是一种安全,有效的临床技术,微创,具有非常重要的临床意义。     

腋窝脂肪抽吸术在腋淋巴结清扫术中的临床应用

目的：探讨腋淋巴结清扫术时保留神经血管及淋巴管的方法及临床意义。方法：对34例乳腺癌患者行腋窝脂肪抽吸后，采用保留神经血管及腋静脉附近的淋巴管的腋淋巴结清扫术。结果：34例手术均顺利，平均每例清扫淋巴结16.4枚，所有患者术中、术后未出现明显并发症。术后随访3-6个月，无一例出现上肢肿胀、麻痹疼痛、提肩活动障碍及上肢水肿等并发症。结论：保留神经血管及淋巴管的腋淋巴结清扫术，可减少术后并发症的发生；腋窝脂肪抽吸术后再行腋淋巴结清扫术，使得后者操作简便、清扫彻底，且避免了血管、神经损伤。     

侧方淋巴结清扫保留植物神经术治疗直肠癌的效果分析

目的分析腹腔镜下侧方淋巴结清扫保留植物神经术在治疗直肠癌中的效果。方法将46例中低进展期直肠癌患者分为侧方清扫组和对照组,侧方清扫组行腹腔镜下侧方淋巴结清扫保留植物神经术,在清除淋巴结时注意对腹前神经丛、盆神经丛和盆内脏神经的保护。对照组行传统的直肠癌根治术（不作侧方淋巴结清扫）。对两组手术时间、出血量、严重并发症、性功能、排尿情况、机体的免疫状况及淋巴结转移率进行比较。结果两组的平均手术时间、出血量差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;术后两组排尿、性功能、外周血CD3＋、CD4＋、IL-6、IgM、IgA、IgG水平两组间差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;侧方清扫组23例中发生侧方转移5例,占21.7%,对照组的侧方转移率为53.8%。结论侧方淋巴结清扫保留植物神经术在直肠癌患者的治疗中有一定的临床价值,其创伤小,大大提高了患者的术后生活质量,值得推广。     

腹腔镜广泛宫旁切除术在意外发现宫颈癌治疗中的应用

目的 探讨意外发现的宫颈癌(UDCC)行腹腔镜下广泛宫旁切除+阴道上段切除+盆腔淋巴清扫术的安全性及可行性。方法 回顾性分析蚌埠医学院第一附属医院2017年2月—2018年3月收治的6例全子宫切除术(5例经腹手术、1例腹腔镜手术)术后UDCC患者的临床病理资料及随访资料。6例患者44~62岁,宫颈鳞癌5例、宫颈腺癌1例,临床分期ⅠB1期5例、ⅠB2期1例,均行腹腔镜下广泛宫旁切除+阴道上段切除+盆腔淋巴清扫术。观察患者两次手术间隔时间,再次腹腔镜下手术时间、术中出血量、手术并发症发生情况,术后留置尿管时间、残余尿量、住院时间,术后病理检查观察阴道壁、宫旁组织、卵巢有无累及、盆腔淋巴结转移情况。结果 6例患者两次手术间隔时间平均19.3 d。腹腔镜手术时间平均154.2 min,术中出血量平均116.7 mL,术后留置导尿管时间平均14.5 d,测定残余尿量平均88.3 mL,术后住院时间平均8.5 d。术中、术后无手术相关并发症发生。再次手术后病理检查提示:阴道壁、宫旁组织、卵巢未见癌累及,阴道切缘、宫旁切缘阴性;清扫盆腔淋巴结平均18.6枚,其中1例患者有2枚盆腔淋巴结转移,并伴有癌栓形成。6例患者术后随访14~27个月,期间未发现复发和远处转移。结论 UDCC临床少见,在掌握娴熟的手术技巧的基础上,行腹腔镜下广泛宫旁切除+阴道上段切除+盆腔淋巴清扫术治疗UDCC是安全、可行的。     

Anatomical analysis of gastric lymph nodes in cancer–free individuals

Lymphadenectomy is a crucial part of the surgical therapy for gastric cancer. The number of normal lymph nodes could indicate the number of nodes that need to be retrieved during the procedure. The aim of this study is to analyze the number of lymph nodes in cadavers without gastric cancer according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association guidelines. Twenty fresh adult cadavers (14 males, mean age 55, range 24–93 years) were used. Abdominal lymph nodes were dissected and classified according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association. For total gastrectomy, the median number of lymph nodes that comprised D1 + dissection was 27 (range 15–42). The median and mean number of lymph nodes that comprised D2 dissection was 33, ranging from 18 to 50. For distal gastrectomy, the D1 + level comprised a median of 21 lymph nodes (range 11–38), and the D2 level 22 lymph nodes (range 11–39). In conclusion, considering gastrectomy + D2 lymphadenectomy as the standard treatment for gastric cancer, our results show that adequate lymphadenectomy must encompass around 30 lymph nodes. Clin. Anat., 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

腹腔镜辅助下进展期胃癌根治术16例临床分析

目的探讨腹腔镜辅助下进展期胃癌根治术的可行性及疗效。方法回顾性分析我院自2009年12月至2010年8月16例腹腔镜辅助下实施进展期胃癌根治术患者的临床资料,其中全胃切除2例、近端胃癌根治8例、远端胃癌根治6例。结果 16例患者顺利完成腹腔镜胃癌根治术,无中转开腹病例。平均手术时间为全胃切除280（230~310）min,近端胃癌根治246（210~276）min,远端胃癌根治230（200~256）min。术中平均出血量为全胃切除280（260~300）mL,近端胃癌根治110（60~180）mL,远端胃癌根治120（70~200）mL。切口长度为5~7 cm。术后患者肛门排气平均3.5（2~4）d,下床活动时间平均为3.5（2~4）d,所有患者随访1~8个月,术后近期恢复良好,无近期并发症,无肿瘤的局部复发,无Trocar种植。结论腹腔镜辅助下行胃癌根治术具有较好的安全性及可靠性,微创手术在胃癌根治中的应用是可行的。     

Nuclear profiles of cancer cells reveal the metastatic potential of gastric cancer

Nuclear profiles have been reported as useful prognostic predictors in various cancers. Data from computerized morphometry are objective and can be quickly derived using conventional microscopic analysis, but image analysis of nuclear features has only rarely been applied to investigations of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between one of these morphological nuclear features and the clinicopathological parameters in patients with gastric cancer. The morphometric nuclear feature (nuclear area) was analysed in 400 patients with gastric cancer. In each case, 300 cancer nuclei on routine haematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were analysed through the use of a computer-assisted image analysis system which traced the nuclear profiles (magnificationx400) on a computer monitor. The morphometric data were compared with the patients' clinicopathological status and survival rate. The mean nuclear area (NA) of cancer cells from 400 cases of gastric cancer was 47.2 microm(2). The NAs of cancer cells from tumours with microvessel invasion (lymphatic or venous invasion), lymph node metastasis or hepatic metastasis at the time of operation were significantly larger than those of cancer cells from tumours without such invasion or metastases. Cytokeratin (CK) immunostaining was performed on 2577 lymph nodes from 91 patients with advanced gastric cancer (pT3, pN0, pM0, stage II) to detect micrometastases. CK-positive lymph nodes were detected in 350 of 2577 lymph nodes (13. 6%) and in 62 of 91 patients (68.1%). The mean NA of cancer cells from 62 tumours with micrometastases (44 microm(2)) was larger than that of cancer cells from 29 tumours without micrometastases (38.8 microm(2), p=0.043), and a significant positive correlation was detected between the NAs of cancer cells from 91 tumours and the number of micrometastatic lymph nodes of 91 patients (rho=0.278, p=0. 008). Cancer cells with large NA correlated strongly with haematogenous and lymph node recurrence or relapse after gastrectomy and the NA of cancer cells was identified as an independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer. Nuclear morphometry is an objective, reproducible, and technically uncomplicated procedure. The NA of cancer cells correlates closely with the metastatic potential of gastric cancer. Nuclear morphometry may therefore be useful for the selection of patients who are at risk of haematogenous or lymph node metastatic recurrence after surgery.     

腹腔镜与开腹胃癌切除的疗效比较

目的:比较腹腔镜手术与传统开腹手术治疗胃癌的效果。方法:回顾腹腔镜胃癌根治术与传统开腹胃癌根治术的病历资料,通过手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结清除数目,胃肠道功能恢复时间和术后住院时间,分析腹腔镜胃癌根治术与传统开腹胃癌根治术的疗效。结果:腹腔镜组术中出血量指标优于传统开腹组,而腹腔镜组手术时间长于传统开腹组。淋巴结清除数目两组没有显著性差别。腹腔镜组的胃肠道功能恢复时间和术后住院时间短于传统开腹组。结论:腹腔镜胃癌切除术在技术上是可行和安全的,而且具有微创、术后康复快等优点。     

胃癌D2根治术后复发时间及相关因素分析

目的 探讨胃癌D2根治术后早期复发时间及相关影响因素,为预防胃癌早期复发提供参考依据。方法 回顾性分析我院胃癌D2根治术后在2012年1月~2016年1月复发的178例患者临床病例资料,按复发时间分为早期复发（≤2年）组119例和晚期复发（＞2年）组59例,对比两组患者在不同复发时间下的一般情况、临床病理等资料,采用SPSS19.0软件对数据进行单因素及多因素分析。结果 早期复发组平均无病生存期为（11.72±5.85）个月,晚期复发组平均无病生存期为（31.00±7.65）个月;单因素分析结果显示两组在年龄、手术类型、原发肿瘤直径、肿瘤Borrmann分型、原发组织分化、原发T分期、原发N分期、受检淋巴结个数、原发淋巴结转移率、原发手术切缘、原发脉管有无癌栓、有无癌结节、术后至第一次化疗时间、术后有无4~6周铂类联合氟尿嘧啶化疗、复发形式及无病生存期方面,差异均具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析表明,手术类型、受检淋巴结个数、原发脉管有无癌栓、N分期及术后至第一次化疗时间是胃癌复发的独立相关影响因素（P＜0.05）。结论 手术类型、受检淋巴结个数及术后至第一次化疗时间是影响胃癌D2根治术后复发时间的独立保护因素。N分期及脉管有癌栓是胃癌D2根治术的独立危险因素。     

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Prognosis of Advanced Gastric Cancer Simulating Early Gastric Cancer

Background

Although the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of Borrmann type advanced gastric cancer has been well characterized, those of advanced gastric cancer simulating early gastric cancer (AGC simulating EGC) still remains unclear.

Methods

We reviewed 1985 gastric cancer patients who had undergone gastrectomy at our hospital to determine the clinicopathologic characteristics, susceptible sites for lymph node metastasis, and prognosis of AGC simulating EGC in comparison with Borrmann type advanced gastric cancer.

Results

Among 102 patients with AGC simulating EGC, 100 patients (98%) had tumors with depressed type appearance. The frequencies of serosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic vessel invasion, blood vessel invasion, and liver metastasis were significantly lower in AGC simulating EGC than in Borrmann type tumors. The prognosis of AGC simulating EGC was significantly better than that of the Borrmann type tumors. Multivariate analysis indicated that the gross appearance was an independent prognostic factor. In patients with AGC simulating EGC which invaded to the the muscularis propria (MP), most lymph node metastasis was restricted with the perigastric lymph nodes (1st-titer lymph nodes) and lymph node metastasis to 2nd-titer lymph nodes was only observed at station 8a.

Conclusion

AGC simulating EGC is less advanced in comparison with Borrmann type advanced gastric cancer. Based on the results of susceptible sites for lymph node metastasis in the current study, limited lymph node dissection could be indicated for AGC simulating EGC whose depth of invasion is MP.     

两孔法腹腔镜辅助右半结肠癌完整系膜切除术技术要点及短期疗效

目的　探讨两孔法腹腔镜辅助完整结肠系膜切除术治疗右半结肠癌的手术要点及短期疗效。 方法　回顾分析广东省人民医院胃肠外科2019年3月至2019年12月两孔法腹腔镜辅助完整结肠系膜切除术治疗右半结肠癌17例患者的临床资料,评估手术指标和疗效。 结果　本组患者手术切口长度（5.6±3.1）cm、手术时间（126.0±27.8）min、术中出血量（21.2±14.9）mL、清扫淋巴结（33.8 ± 11.2）枚,阳性淋巴结75%分位数为1枚（0 ~ 9枚）。术后首次排气时间（1.5±0.6）d,首次进流质饮食时间（1.3 ± 0.6）d,首次进半流质饮食时间为（4.1±2.3）d,术后并发症5例（淋巴漏3例、腹腔出血1例、肺部感染1例）,术后平均住院时间（7.9±4.5）d。 结论　两孔法腹腔镜辅助完整结肠系膜切除术治疗右半结肠癌安全可行,术中淋巴结清扫时应注意避免损伤胃-结肠静脉干。     

Identifying additional lymph nodes in radical cystectomy lymphadenectomy specimens

Lymph node count has prognostic implications in bladder cancer patients who are treated with radical cystectomy. Lymph nodes that are too small to identify grossly can easily be missed, potentially leading to missed nodal metastases and inaccurate nodal counts, resulting in inaccurate prognoses. We investigated whether there is a benefit to submitting the entire lymph node packet for histological examination to identify additional lymph nodes. We prospectively assessed 61 pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens in 14 consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy. The specimens were placed in Carnoy's solution overnight, then analyzed for lymph nodes. The residual tissue was entirely submitted to assess for additional lymph nodes. In 61 specimens, we identified 391 lymph nodes, ranging from 4-44 nodes per patient. We identified 238 (61%) lymph nodes with standard techniques and 153 (39%) lymph nodes in submitted residual tissue. The number of additional lymph nodes found in the residual tissue ranged from 0 to 26 (0-75%) per patient. These lymph nodes ranged in size from 0.05 to 1 cm. All additional lymph nodes were negative for metastatic disease. Submitting the entire specimen for histological examination allowed for identification of more lymph nodes in radical cystectomy pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens. However, as none of the additional lymph nodes contained metastatic disease, it is unclear if there is a clinical benefit in evaluating lymph nodes that are neither visible nor palpable in lymphadenectomy specimens.     

The effect of neoadjuvant therapy on the size,number, and distribution of mesorectal lymph nodes

The current therapeutic approach to patients with locally advanced rectal cancer is neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision. We aimed to investigate the number, size, and distribution of metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes within the mesorectum; whether neoadjuvant therapy has any impact on the number and size of the lymph nodes; and the impact of metastatic lymph node localization on overall and disease-free survival. Specimens from 50 consecutive patients with stage II/III rectal cancer receiving either neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were investigated. Lymph node dissection was carried out by careful visual inspection and palpation. The localization of the each lymph node within the mesorectum and the relation with the tumor site were noted. The size and the number of lymph nodes retrieved decreased significantly with neoadjuvant therapy. Majority of the metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes were located at or proximally to the tumor level and posterior side of the mesorectum. No relation was observed between the overall and disease-free survival, and the localization of the metastatic lymph nodes. Presence of lymph node metastases proximal to the tumor level has no impact on survival compared with the presence of lymph node metastasis only in the peritumoral region of the mesorectum. Although neoadjuvant therapy decreases the size and the number of lymph nodes, reaching an ideal number of lymph nodes for accurate staging is still possible with careful naked eye examination and dissection of perirectal fat. As the majority of metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes are located in peritumoral and proximal compartment, and posterior side of the mesorectum, these regions should be the major interest of dissection.