Proposal for standardization of laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer

This study presents a laparoscopic surgical protocol for right hemicolectomy and D3 lymphadenectomy (R-D3L) in right colon cancer and reports the oncological outcomes based on a prospective series.

The study comprises two phases. In the first phase, a dynamic demonstration of the R-D3L surgical protocol is provided through textual explanation, illustrations, and edited surgical videos. The protocol emphasizes technical steps such as dissection of the embryological plane of the right mesocolon, high tie of ileocolic vessels, surgical trunk of Gillot dissection, and high tie of superior right colic vein (SRCV). In the second phase, a prospective observational study was conducted involving patients undergoing R-D3L surgery with this protocol between July 2015 and July 2021. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative variables are analyzed, along with anatomopathological variables and oncological outcomes.

A total of 33 patients were analyzed. Median operative time was 202 min. Perioperative bleeding occurred in 6%. Postoperative complications were mild (Clavien–Dindo III in 2%). Postoperative ileus was observed in 15%. No anastomotic dehiscence was reported. The median postoperative stay was 7 days. The median number of resected lymph nodes was 26, with 27% having positive nodes and 70% were classified as stage T3 or T4. After a median follow-up of 45 months, local recurrence, distant recurrence, and carcinomatosis rates were 0%. Mortality rate from other causes was 9%.

The surgical protocol shown in the present study could help in the implementation of this technique in those units that consider it appropriate.