ICG fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy for decision-making in lateral lymph node dissection in local...

Local advanced rectal cancer (LARC) carries high recurrence risks, especially with lateral lymph node (LLN) involvement. This study aims to evaluate the role of ICG-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with clinical negative LLNs (maximum diameter < 7 mm), potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and associated complications in patients with LARC. A retrospective analysis of 301 consecutive patients with lower LARC who underwent fluorescent lateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy (FL-SLNB) or conventional LLND at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between 2018 and 2022 was conducted. Clinical and pathological data were collected, and the patients were grouped into FL-SLNB and non-SLNB groups. Postoperative complications, recurrence rates, and survival outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using χ² tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards models. FL-SLNB (173 patients) showed better perioperative outcomes than non-SLNB (128 patients), with shorter hospital stays (7 vs. 10 days, P = 0.027), less blood loss (150 vs. 180 mL, P = 0.032), and fewer complications: intraoperative bleeding (2.9% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.041), anastomotic leakage (1.7% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.045), and urinary dysfunction (3.5% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.039). No significant differences were observed in survival or recurrence rates (P > 0.05). pN stage was a significant predictor of distant metastasis (HR 1.953, P = 0.037). ICG-guided SLNB enhanced surgical precision and reduced unnecessary LLND in lower LARC with clinically negative LLNs, and improved surgical decision-making and minimizes postoperative complications.