Vascularizing lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer: A single-institution experience
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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer
Published on: October 31, 2025
Fang-Hai Han1, Sheng-Ning Zhou1, Hong-Ming Li1
1Fang-Hai Han, Sheng-Ning Zhou, Hong-Ming Li, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China.
Aim:
To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of vascularizing lymph node dissection (VLND) and non-vascularizing lymph node dissection (NVLND) from a single institution.
Methods:
Data of 315 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent standard D2 lymphadenectomy with curative intent was collected between January 1994 and December 2006. One hundred and fifty-two patients received VLND while 163 patients received NVLND. Short- and long-term clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results:
The median followed-up time was 82 mo. The rate of postoperative complications in the VLND group was 13.2%, while that in the NVLND group was 11.7% (P = 0.686). The overall 5-year survival rate was 64% in the VLND group and 59% in the NVLND group (P = 0.047). When subgroup analyses were performed according to Bormann type, type of differentiation and lymph node status, survival benefit was demonstrated in patients with Bormann type III or IV (59% vs 50%, P = 0.032), undifferentiated type (63% vs 49%, P = 0.021) or presence of lymph node metastasis (53% vs 38%, P = 0.010) in the VLND group.
Conclusion:
D2 VLND in advanced gastric cancer treatment allows survival benefit with acceptable morbidity and mortality. VLND for patients with potentially curable advanced gastric cancer is feasible and safe when performed by a well-trained surgical team.
