Published online Jun 28, 2021. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i24.3654
Peer-review started: December 15, 2020
First decision: January 6, 2021
Revised: January 20, 2021
Accepted: February 24, 2021
Article in press: February 24, 2021
Published online: June 28, 2021
Processing time: 189 Days and 21.3 Hours
The procedure for lateral lymph node (LLN) dissection (LLND) is complicated and can result in complications. We developed a technique for laparoscopic LLND based on two fascial spaces to simplify the procedure.
To clarify the anatomical basis of laparoscopic LLND in two fascial spaces and to evaluate its efficacy and safety in treating locally advanced low rectal cancer (LALRC).
Cadaveric dissection was performed on 24 pelvises, and the fascial composition related to LLND was observed and described. Three dimensional-laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with LLND was performed in 20 patients with LALRC, and their clinical data were analyzed.
The cadaver study showed that the fascia propria of the rectum, urogenital fascia, vesicohypogastric fascia and parietal fascia lie side by side in a medial-lateral direction constituting the dissection plane for curative rectal cancer surgery, and the last three fasciae formed two spaces (Latzko's pararectal space and paravesical space) which were the surgical area for LLND. Laparoscopic LLND in two fascial spaces was performed successfully in all 20 patients. The median operating time, blood loss and postoperative hospitalization were 178 (152-243) min, 55 (25-150) mL and 10 (7-20) d, respectively. The median number of harvested LLNs was 8.6 (6-12), and pathologically positive LLN metastasis was confirmed in 7 (35.0%) cases. Postoperative complications included lower limb pain in 1 case and lymph leakage in 1 case.
Our preliminary surgical experience suggests that laparoscopic LLND based on fascial spaces is a feasible, effective and safe procedure for treating LALRC.
Core Tip: The procedure for lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) is complicated, with a high incidence of complications. We developed a technique of laparoscopic LLND based on two fascial spaces to simplify the procedure. By cadaveric dissection, we found that urogenital fascia, vesicohypogastric fascia and parietal fascia lie side by side and formed two spaces (Latzko's pararectal space and paravesical space) which were the surgical area for LLND. 3D-Laparoscopic LLND in two fascial spaces was performed successfully in 20 patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer, and the results showed that it was a feasible, effective and safe procedure.