Clinical feasibility of laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection following total mesorectal excision for advanced rectal cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the technical feasibility, safety and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with advanced low rectal cancer.

Methods: Laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in 18 patients from November 2009 to September 2012. The data regarding the patient demographics, surgical outcomes and short-term oncological outcomes were analyzed.

Results: In all 18 patients, the procedures were completed without conversion to open surgery. The mean length of the operation was 603.7 min (473-746 min). The mean number of harvested lateral pelvic lymph nodes was 16.9 (7-27), and five patients (27.8 %) had lymph node metastases. The postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 0 and 16.7 %, respectively. Three patients developed Grade 2 urinary retention. No local recurrence had developed after a mean follow-up period of 23.6 months.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is technically feasible, safe and oncologically acceptable within the limitations of the short-term follow-up period.