Higher nodal yield with robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection for bladder cancer compared to laparoscopic dissection: implications for more accurate staging

Standardization of robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection-Development of a common understanding of regional anatomy and surgical technique based on cross-disciplinary discussion among colorectal surgery, urology, and gynecology

BACKGROUND

Pelvic lymph node dissection is a procedure performed in gastroenterological surgery, urology, and gynecology. However, due to discrepancies in the understanding of pelvic anatomy among these departments, cross-disciplinary discussions have not been easy. Recently, with the rapid spread of robotic surgery, the importance of visual information in understanding pelvic anatomy has become even more significant. In this project, we attempted to clarify a shared understanding of pelvic anatomy through cross-disciplinary discussions.

METHOD

From May 2020 to November 2021, a total of 11 discussions were held entirely online with 5 colorectal surgery specialists, 4 urologists, and 4 gynecologists. The discussions focused on evidence from each specialty and surgical videos, aiming to create a universally understandable pelvic anatomical illustration.

RESULTS

The common area of dissection recognized across the three departments was identified as the obturator lymph nodes. A dynamic illustration of pelvic anatomy was created. In addition to a bird's-eye view of the pelvis, a pelvic half view was developed to enhance understanding of the deeper pelvic anatomy. The following insights were incorporated into the illustration: (1) the cardinal ligament in gynecology partly overlaps with the vesicohypogastric fascia in colorectal surgery; (2) the obturator lymph nodes continue cephalad into the fossa of Marcille in urology; and (3) the deep uterine vein in gynecology corresponds to the inferior vesical vein in colorectal surgery.

CONCLUSION

Based on the dynamic illustration of pelvic anatomy from cross-disciplinary discussions, we anticipate advancements in pelvic lymph node dissection aiming for curative and safe outcomes.

Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Review

Minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RC), are emerging as the preferred treatment options for invasive bladder cancer. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that laparoscopic and robotic-assisted RC with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is a viable alternative for managing invasive bladder cancer. In this review, we summarized recent advances and critically assessed the minimally invasive approaches and risk factors associated with extended PLND in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic-assisted RC. The findings indicated that laparoscopic and robotic-assisted PLND, employing either a standard or extended approach, is technically feasible and offers benefits such as minimal invasiveness, superior visualization, reduced blood loss, and expedited recovery. The risk factors involved in the laparoscopic extended PLND are minimal. Clinically, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted extended PLND is significantly advantageous in that it sticks to the principles of open surgery and respects anatomical boundaries. Nevertheless, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted extended PLND is technically challenging and necessitate extended operation time. Furthermore, large-scale, prospective, multicenter trials are warranted to validate the long-term efficacy of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted extended PLND in terms of disease-specific survival.

Prognostic value of the nodal yield in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To systematically evaluate the prognostic value of the nodal yield in oral squamous cell carcinoma by meta-analysis.

METHODS

The meta-analysis was adherence to PRISMA. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane for studies published up to 20 April 2022. We collected evidences from observational studies regarding nodal yield in oral squamous cell carcinoma, and investigated its prognostic value by the routine methods of meta-analysis.

RESULTS

From seven studies, there was no significant impact of the lymph node yield on overall survival among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma cases and <18 lymph nodes (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.019, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.786-1.320, p = 0.887), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 80%). The pooled result indicated that a > 18-lymph node yield was a favorable prognostic factor (HR = 0.786, 95%CI = 0.646-0.956, p = 0.016; I² = 39%). The lymph node yield was not associated with disease-specific survival (HR = 1.594, 95%CI = 0.996-2.552, p = 0.052; I² = 81%) or disease-free survival (HR = 1.508, 95%CI = 0.924-2.460, p = 0.100; I² = 41%).

CONCLUSION

A lymph node yield of ≥18 lymph nodes might be a favorable prognostic factor for the overall survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate and bladder cancers

Prostate cancer and bladder cancer accounts for approximately 13.5% and 3% of all male cancers and all newly diagnosed cancers (regardless sex), respectively. Thus, these cancers represent a major health and economic burden globally. The knowledge of lymph node status is an integral part of the management of any solid tumor. In the urological field, pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is of paramount importance in the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of prostate and bladder cancers. However, PLND may be associated with several comorbidities. In this narrative review, the most recent updates concerning the patterns and incidence of lymph node metastasis, the role of different imaging studies and nomograms in determining patients' eligibility for PLND, and the anatomical templates of PLND in urologic patients with bladder or prostate cancer will be discussed.