Diagnosis and Impact of Hilar Lymph Node Micrometastases on the Outcome of Resected Colorectal Liver Metastasis
Liver resection is the only curative therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. However, recurrence occurs in the majority of the cases. Hilar lymph node metastases occur with a high frequency but the methodology for its detection and the impact on the outcome of patients undergoing hepatectomy is still unknown.Twenty-six patients submitted to partial liver resection and systematic lymphadenectomy were studied prospectively. Lymph nodes considered negative by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were analyzed by serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-human pancytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3. Recurrence-free and overall survivals were compared among LN groups.The mean number of dissected lymph nodes were 6.3 per patient. H&E showed microscopic involvement of LN in 2 patients and 3 patients had metastases identified only by IHC. The median follow-up was 39.3 months. Sixteen patients (61.5%) recurred after liver resection and although no statistical difference in survival was demonstrated there was a trend towards shorter recurrence-free survival among microscopic positive LN.Microscopic LN metastases may have impact in the outcome of patients submitted to curative hepatectomy. A better definition of micrometastases to LN is warranted, as though the potential benefit of hilar lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy selection by hilar lymph node status.