Impact of Radiation on Lymph Node Retrieval in Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Sermier Alain, Gervaz Pascal, Egger Jean F, Dao My, Allal Abdelkarim S, Bonet Marta, Morel Philippe
Primary Institution: University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The number of lymph nodes retrieved in abdominoperineal resection specimens is correlated with the dose and timing of pelvic irradiation.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy affects the yield of lymph node retrieval in abdominoperineal resection specimens, and this impact is time-dependent.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients who underwent preoperative radiation therapy had a mean of 8 lymph nodes retrieved compared to 10.5 in those who did not.
- The mean number of lymph nodes was significantly lower in patients who underwent preoperative XRT.
- There was an inverse correlation between the yield of lymph nodes and the time elapsed between XRT and surgery.
Takeaway
If patients have radiation therapy before surgery, they might have fewer lymph nodes removed during surgery, especially if a long time passes between the two.
Methodology
A retrospective study analyzing lymph node retrieval in surgical specimens from patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection with or without preoperative radiation therapy.
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to the retrospective nature of the study and the reliance on historical data.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and conducted at a single institution, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
61 men and 41 women, median age 66 years, with 12 patients having squamous cell carcinoma and 90 having rectal cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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