Author/Editor		Omejc, Mirko; Mekicar, Jernej
Title		Computer analysis of lymph nodes in gastric cancer surgery
Type		članek
Source		In: Cardinni DC, editor. Research focus on gastric cancer. New York: Nova Biomedical Books,
Publication year		2008
Volume		str. 231-61
Language		eng
Abstract		Extended lymphadenectomy may lead to prolonged survival in patients with gastric cancer but with increased morbidity or even mortality. Lymphadenectomy offers only hope of cure when lymph nodes are involved. To identify the group of patients with involved lymph nodes and to offer a rational approach to lymph node dissection it is important to know the incidence of metastases at each lymph node station in gastric cancer. Computer program was developed for the evaluation of lymph node metastases and survival time. The program uses preoperative variables that are considered to be important prognostic factors for assessment of lymph node involvement in each individual case. On the basis of our work it can be concluded that the computer programs can be useful in preoperative decision making for appropriate extend of lymphadenectomy, to spare the disadvantages of radical lymph node dissection in cases where dissection of lymph nodes from gastric bed is not necessary, especially in cases of early gastric cancer where gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy would often mean ovemeatment, and limited surgery or even laparoscopic resection can be performed. On the other hand it can lead the surgeon especially in some locations or extensive infiltration of the tumor to extend the lymphadenectomy of regional lymph nodes. Such approach can give the patients the best chances for long term survival in cases of curable disease or in cases of incurable disease with advanced lymph node involvement not to aggravate the quality of remaining life with aggressive procedure that does not prolong survival.
Descriptors		STOMACH NEOPLASMS LYMPHATIC METASTASIS LYMPH NODE EXCISION PROGNOSIS NEOPLASM STAGING DISEASE PROGRESSION COMPUTER SYSTEMS