The effects of lymph node dissection techniques on the survival of geriatric patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Year 2022, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 13 - 17, 31.01.2022

Mustafa Vedat Doğru , Celal Buğra Sezen , Cemal Aker , Fatma Tokgöz Akyıl , Muzaffer Metin

Abstract

Background: Lymph nodes are the most important prognostic factors in lung cancer. Controversy still continues on lymph nodes prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of lymph node dissection techniques on survival in geriatric patients.

Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively in patients who were operated on for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 2007 and 2016. Lobe-specific lymph node dissection (LsLND) was performed in 77 patients, while complete (systematic) lymph node dissection (SLND) was performed in 206 patients.

Results: A total of 283 patients were included in the study, of which 258 were male (91.2%) and 25 were female (8.8%). The median age of the patients was 69 years (IQR: 65-84). The mean survival time of the patients was 46 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 38.9%. The survival rate in pN2 disease was 15.6%, while the survival rate in pN0 disease was 46%. While the 5-year survival rate was 34.4% in patients who underwent lobe-specific lymph node sampling, it was 40.5% in patients who underwent systematic lymph node dissection (p=0.147).

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Conclusions: As a result of our study, no difference was found in terms of survival between lobe-specific lymph node dissection or systematic lymph node dissection in the geriatric age group. Especially pN2 disease, histopathological, and resection width were observed among the most important prognostic factors affecting survival. Therefore, we think lobe-specific lymph node sampling may be preferred instead of performing complete-systematic lymph node dissection in advanced ages because of less morbidity.

Keywords

Lymph node dissection, Lung Cancer, Survival

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