[Evidence for the extent and oncological benefit of lymphadenectomy for pancreatic cancer].

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage and is characterized by early systemic metastases, which can also be present in the form of micrometastases that are not primarily visible. Lymphatic metastases in pancreatic cancer are common. The extent of lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy, LAD) in pancreatic cancer is defined in the guidelines of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) and according to currently available data has more diagnostic and prognostic relevance than therapeutic relevance; however, within the framework of modern multimodal treatment algorithms, radical surgery is the most relevant of all components of multimodal treatment with LAD playing an important role. According to current data, extended LAD without technical necessity in the surgery of the primary tumor brings no advantages for the patients but numerous limitations in the quality of life and should therefore not be performed as the standard. Important aspects of LAD for pancreatic cancer are the lymph node ratio, extended vs. standard LAD and innovations in LAD in the field of interaortocaval lymph nodes and the so-called triangle operation.