Background: D3 is unaffected by anatomic factors even when the ileocolic artery runs along the dorsal side of the superior mesenteric vein. Complete "true D3" lymph node dissection in minimally invasive surgery for right-sided colon cancer could be beneficial for certain patients with lymph node metastases.
Impact of innovation: The study aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of robotic true D3 lymph node dissection for right-sided colon cancer using a superior mesenteric vein-taping technique.
Technology, materials, and methods: The superior mesenteric vein was slowly and gently separated from the surrounding tissues and taped. Lifting the tape with the robotic third arm and fixing it in place using rock-stable tractions provides a good surgical view, which cannot otherwise be obtained. As a result, the ileocolic artery that branches from the superior mesenteric artery can be accurately exposed. Handling of the taping then enables expansion to a different surgical view. As the lymph nodes are originally concealed on the dorsal side of the superior mesenteric vein, this technique provides a good view for lymph node dissection. The root of the ileocolic artery was clipped and separated, and true D3 was thus completed.
Preliminary results: Fourteen patients underwent robotic true D3 lymph node dissection for right-sided colon cancer. No Clavien-Dindo classification grade II or higher intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%.
Conclusions: Our robotic true D3 lymph node dissection with superior mesenteric vein-taping technique is considered safe and feasible; it might be a promising surgical procedure for treating advanced right-sided colon cancer.
Future directions: Even when the ileocolic artery runs along the dorsal aspect of the superior mesenteric vein, the technique seems promising for facilitating robotic D3 lymph node dissection.
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