[Laparoscopic Lateral Lymph Node Dissection for Rectal Cancer with Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis - A Case Report]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Rectal Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) is standard for locally advanced lower rectal cancer in Japan.
• Laparoscopic surgery is increasingly adopted for rectal cancer.
• This study details laparoscopic LLND for a patient with advanced lower rectal cancer and lateral lymph node metastasis.

Observation:

• A woman in her 50s presented with melena, diagnosed with lower rectal cancer, lateral lymph node swelling, and liver metastasis.
• The patient underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and laparoscopic LLND.
• The procedure took 260 minutes with 60g blood loss.

Findings:

• Laparoscopic LLND allows for precise dissection in the narrow pelvic space.
• The magnification provided by laparoscopy aids in autonomic nerve preservation during surgery.
• Laparoscopic LLND is effective for managing lateral lymph node metastasis in advanced rectal cancer.

Implications:

• Laparoscopic LLND is a valuable technique for treating locally advanced rectal cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis.
• This approach may improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications.
• Further research into laparoscopic techniques for rectal cancer is warranted.