[Lymph node dissection for carcinomas of the lower gastrointestinal tract. What is evidence-based?]

Evidence-based analysis of the influence of lymph node dissection on the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients is complicated by the now well-established multimodal treatment strategies. In addition surgical quality criteria, such as exact preparation along the mesenterial fascia and avoiding tears have a major influence on the prognosis.Nevertheless, the overall evidence for the need of lymph node dissection in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma is high. However, there are still some questions remaining concerning the extent of pericolic lymph node dissection, inclusion of the lymph nodes along the greater curvature of the stomach and the inferior aspect of the left pancreas in carcinomas of the transverse colon and the flexures. In particular the definitive central ligation of the supplying arteries in right-sided colon carcinoma is not adequately implemented worldwide.