Intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node sampling in esophageal and gastric cancer

Recent studies for SN mapping of esophageal and gastric carcinoma show that the SN concept is valid even for upper GI cancers with multidirectional and complicated lymphatic flow. The relatively high incidence of anatomic skip metastasis can be attributed to aberrant distribution of SNs. An individualized and minimally invasive surgical approach can be applicable to management of esophageal and gastric carcinoma based on SN status. Although there are several issues to be resolved, this novel procedure has the potential for great benefit to improve quality control in the treatment of upper GI cancer. Well-designed clinical trials of lymphatic mapping for upper GI cancer will be essential to determine whether this technique is widely applicable in the management of these tumors.