[Discussion on standardized implementation of laparoscopic radical lymphadenectomy for distal gastric cancer]

Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer has been widely applied in clinical practice, and its indications have been extended from early gastric cancer to advanced gastric cancer. It is acknowledged that laparoscopic radical gastrectomy is technically challenging because of the complexity of anatomy, rich blood supply, and extensive lymph node dissection. This paper primarily intends to share the experience of laparoscopic radical D2 gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer with details of choosing the location of Trocar, surgical approaches and the sequence of lymph node dissection. All the surgeries were performed at Department of General Surgery and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital. The finding suggests that a correct laparoscopic Trocar placement is the foundation of adequate surgical field visualization. Under most circumstances, the observation hole should be around 2 cm below the umbilicus and the operating hole should be close to the bilateral clavicle midline. Furthermore, proper surgical approach and sequence of lymph node dissection are the prerequisites for successful laparoscopic radical D2 gastrectomy, as well as the reassurance of dissecting lymph node safely and comprehensively. The position of surgical team adopted in our center is that the surgeon stands to the left of the patient, with laparoscope operator stands in between patient's legs while the first assistant positions himself opposite the surgeon on the right side of the patient. This position correlates to the rules of sequential lymph node dissection, which is "from left to right", "from proximal to distal" and "from inferior to superior". Therefore, it is conductive to inferior and superior pylorus region dissection and it can effectively prevent subsidiary-injury. In our center, the procedure of lymph node dissection has been standardized: the initial step is to undergo station 4sb dissection and greater gastric curvature clearance; then change the patient's position to clean the sub-pyloric lymph node region and cut off the duodenum by linear stapler; followed by the clearance of inferior region of the pylorus and the upper margin of the pancreas; in the final step, the first and the third groups of lymph node dissection is performed. Although varied surgical approaches and sequences of lymph node dissection are applied in different hospitals, the techniques required for laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer are sophisticated and advanced in general. Radical lymph node dissection is complicated, urging surgeons to familiarize themselves with the anatomy of gastric peripheral vascular system and characteristics of lymph node drainage. By designing and implementing effective strategies, such as formulating a regular team, positioning surgical team reasonably, changing a patient's posture during operation, choosing an appropriate surgical approach and following a logically sequence of lymph node dissection, surgeons can standardize the complete surgical procedure, which ultimately reduces bleeding during surgery and shortens the operative time.