Lymph node harvested in laparoscopic versus open colorectal cancer approaches: a meta-analysis

Increasing researches have reported the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic versus open approach for colorectal cancer resection; however, the number of lymph nodes harvested in the 2 approaches is still unclear. This meta-analysis is to compare the number of lymph node harvested in these 2 methods. We searched the PUBMED, the EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to July 1, 2011 for relevant studies. Twenty-four randomized controlled trials, comprising 6264 participants, met our criterion. We found no difference in the number of lymph nodes harvested in these 2 approaches (weighted mean difference=-0.25; 95% confidence interval, -0.57 to 0.08; P=0.542), as well as in subgroups of colon cancer and of rectal cancer. Our meta-analysis suggests that laparoscopic surgery could achieve the same effectiveness with open surgery in relation to lymph node harvested. Surgeons should pay appropriate attention on the excision of lymph nodes, which are associated with long-term benefits of patients.