Routine Visceral Branch Resection in Rectal Cancer Lymph Node Dissection: Safe and Efficient

Researchers investigated the safety and feasibility of a modified lymph node dissection (LLND) in mid-low-lying rectal cancer, involving routine resection of visceral branches of internal iliac vessels. The study compared two groups: one with routine resection (RVR) and one without (NVR). The RVR group saw reduced operative times without a significant difference in postoperative complications or the number of lateral lymph nodes harvested compared to the NVR group. This suggests that LLND with routine visceral branch resection is safe and feasible, offering no major complications or long-term urinary issues.