Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) in the treatment of rectal cancer: current practice and evolving approaches in India.

Background: The introduction of total mesorectal excision improved locoregional control for rectal adenocarcinoma significantly. Standardisation of the technique of LPLND is lacking in literature.

Methods: We describe the current practices of case selection and technical details of lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer.