Analytical cohort study on lymph node dissection extent and survival outcomes among esophageal cancer patients

The relationship between lymphadenectomy extent and survival among 138 esophageal cancer patients undergoing curative esophagectomy is of interest. Patients were grouped based on lymph node dissection: limited (<15 nodes), standard (15-29), and extended (≥30). Five-year survival improved with increasing nodal yield, especially in node-negative and early-stage patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed extended dissection as an independent predictor of better survival. These findings support a more extensive lymphadenectomy approach to optimize long-term oncologic outcomes.