文摘
Background In 15 % to 25 % of patients, the lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPN) are known to be involved especially with rectal tumors lying below the peritoneal reflection. While total mesorectal excision (TME) ensures removal of locoregional lymph nodes, it does not address the LPN. Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) is being performed in selected scenarios for persistent LPN after administration of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACTRT). Through our study, we share our initial experience with LPND in patients with persistent pelvic nodes after NACTRT in advanced rectal cancers.