Sentinel Node Navigation Surgery for Early Gastric Cancer: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Oncology

Background:

• Early gastric cancer (EGC) is confined to the mucosa/submucosa, often with good outcomes after surgery.
• Functional preservation is a key goal in EGC surgical treatment.
• Sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) is a technique for EGC aiming to preserve stomach function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent research on the feasibility and safety of SNNS for EGC.
• To provide surgical treatment options for EGC based on current evidence.
• To evaluate SNNS as a stomach-preserving approach for EGC.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on SNNS in EGC treatment.
• Analysis of studies focusing on sentinel node (SN) detection and oncological outcomes.
• Examination of techniques involving limited lymph node dissection and restrictive gastrectomy.

Main Results:

• SNNS demonstrates potential for functional preservation in EGC treatment.
• Advancements in tracing dyes and laparoscopic systems improve SN detection rates.
• The oncological safety of SNNS for EGC is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.

Conclusions:

• SNNS is a promising stomach preservation surgery for EGC, enhancing patient quality of life.
• Further research is needed to definitively establish the oncological safety of SNNS in EGC.
• Surgeons require comprehensive data to consider SNNS as a viable option for EGC management.