Three-plane Model to Standardize Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy with Extended D3 Lymph Node Dissection.

Aim: The purposes of this study were to create a "three-plane model" for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and to compare short-term outcomes of anterior medial-to-lateral (aM-to-L) and caudal-to-cranial access by retroperitoneal tunneling (Ca-to-Cr), as described based on the three-plane model.

Methods: A three-plane model was developed to clarify the steps of an operation. Consecutive cases of right colon cancer were operated upon with an aM-to-L approach in the earlier period and then with a Ca-to-Cr approach, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Short-term results were compared.

Results: Sixty-two patients were divided into aM-to-L (n=29) and Ca-to-Cr (n=33) groups. The two groups did not differ in terms of the patients' baseline characteristics. Median operative time was 220 min (IQR 190-260) for the aM-to-L group and 222.5 min (IQR 180-255) for the Ca-to-Cr group (p=0.73). Estimated blood loss was similar in both groups (p=0.13). Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 5-8) in the aM-to-L group and 7 days (IQR 6-9) in the Ca-to-Cr group (p=0.17). Median number of harvested lymph nodes was 45.5 (IQR 25-44.9) in the aM-to-L group and 30 (IQR 18-48.5) in the Ca-to-Cr group (p=0.34).

Conclusion: The approach used to reach the superior mesenteric vessels for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection does not affect the short-term outcome of the operation. The present three-plane model gives surgeons additional insight to perform this operation.