Abstract
Background
For esophageal cancer, the number of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) is often used as a quality indicator. The aim of this study was to analyze the number of retrieved LNs in the Netherlands, to assess factors associated with LN yield and to explore the association with short-term outcomes.
Methods
For this retrospective national cohort study, patients with an esophageal carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy between 2011–2016 were included. Primary outcome was the number of retrieved LNs. Associations were tested with univariable and multivariable regression analysis for the association with ≥ 15 LNs.
Results
3970 patients were included. Between 2011–2016 the median number of LNs increased from 15 to 20. Factors independently associated with ≥ 15 LNs were: 0–10 kg preoperative weight loss (versus: unknown weight loss, odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.71[0.57–0.88]), Charlson-score 0 (versus: Charlson-score 2: 0.76[0.63–0.92]), cN2-category (reference: cN0, 1.32[1.05–1.65]), no neoadjuvant therapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (reference: neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 1.73[1.29–2.32], 2.15[1.54–3.01]), minimally invasive transthoracic (reference: open transthoracic, 1.46[1.15–1.85]), open transthoracic (versus open and minimally invasive transhiatal, 0.29[0.23–0.36] and 0.43[0.32–0.59], hospital volume of 26–50 or > 50 resections/year (reference: 0–25, 1.94[1.55–2.42], 3.01[2.36–3.83]) and year of surgery (reference: 2011, ORs: 1.48, 1.53, 2.28, 2.44, 2.54). There was no association of ≥ 15 LNs with short-term outcomes.
Conclusion
The number of LNs retrieved increased between 2011 and 2016. Weight loss, Charlson score, cN-category, neoadjuvant therapy, surgical approach, year of resection and hospital volume were all associated with increased LN yield. The retrieval of ≥ 15 LNs was not associated with increased postoperative morbidity/mortality.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Defining a Hospital Volume Threshold for Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy in the United States