THE INDICATION OF LATERAL LYMPH NODES DISSECTION FOR CANCER OF THE LOWER PART OF THE RECTUM IN TERMS OF LYMPH NODE METASTASIS

The indication of lateral lymph nodes dissection for cancer of the lower part of the rectum was studied on 135 patients undergoing the lateral dissection at the center in terms of lymph node metastasis. Lateral lymph node metastasis appeared in cases of rectal cancer invading more than mp. Possibility of lateral lymph node metastasis was low in cases with negative involvement of pararectal lymph nodes and superior lymph nodes. In rectal cancers with the invasion depth of ai, metastasis was frequently seen in the lateral lymph nodes, 27%. In the meantime, the 5-year survival rate was as poor as 25% in cancers with positive involvement of lateral lymph nodes. In conclusion, the lateral lymph nodes dissection for cancers of the lower part of the rectum is indicated for cases of rectal cancer with the invasion depth of more than mp to a2 and with lymph node metastasis, or cases with the invasion depth of ai. Once a patient with rectal cancer is diagnosed as having lateral lymph node metastasis, complete lateral lymph nodes dissection should be carried out.