[Optimal lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer: three-field or modified two-field lymphadenectomy]

Differences in operative procedure and knowledge of esophageal cancer exist among surgeons from different countries and regions. There is controversy in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, especially in the extent of lymphadenectomy. Until now, results of the three-field lymphadenectomy and two-field lymphadenectomy are mostly reported by retrospective studies from Japan and China. Three-field lymphadenectomy has been initiated in Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital since 1990s. After evaluating our database, we found that three-field was superior to two-field lymphadenectomy in terms of long-term survival for patients with upper thoracic esophageal cancer, whereas for those with middle or lower thoracic esophageal cancer, the survival benefit of three-field lymphadenectomy was reduced. Therefore, we propose to perform three-field lymphadenectomy for upper thoracic esophageal cancer. In middle or lower thoracic esophageal cancer, we suggest to perform modified two-field lymphadenectomy in most cases, and three-field lymphadenectomy in selective cases. Video-assisted two-field lymphadenectomy is feasible. Based on the national condition of China, we advise to perform thoracic duct removal only in patients with posterior mediastinal or peri-ductus node metastasis to achieve curative effect.