Laparoscopic segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection for right transverse colon cancer

We herein propose a novel approach, laparoscopic segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection (ED3LND), for right-sided transverse colon cancer (TCC).

Forty-two patients with right-sided TCC were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (segmental colectomy with D3LND) and Group 2 (segmental colectomy with ED3LND). Clinical characteristics, surgical and pathological outcomes, and oncological outcomes were retrospectively compared between the two groups.

The number of lymph nodes retrieved, apical lymph nodes retrieved, and apical lymph node metastases were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. No significant differences were observed in the operation time, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, lymph node metastases, postoperative lymphoceles, or other Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III postoperative complications between the two groups. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 82.6% in Group 1 and 84.2% in Group 2, with no significant difference.

Laparoscopic segmental colectomy with ED3LND for right-sided TCC may offer better oncological outcomes than D3LND. A large-scale prospective randomized controlled study is needed to further validate the oncological benefits of this novel procedure.