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.