Early-stage pancreatic cancer outcomes hinge on lymph node counts, affecting surgical decisions.

• Optimal examined lymph nodes for best survival in stage I and II is ≥10.
• Stage II patients benefit most with ≥12 examined lymph nodes; ≥7 for T3N0M0 cases.
• An examined lymph node to regional node positive ratio of ≥9 leads to optimal survival in these patients.

Surgeons should prioritize achieving these lymph node thresholds to enhance patient prognoses.