Para‐aortic lymphadenectomy below inferior mesenteric artery versus renal vessels in stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer: A comparison of surgical outcomes
Abstract
Objective
To compare the surgical outcomes of para‐aortic lymphadenectomy up to the level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and renal vessels in women with stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer after primary optimal cytoreductive surgery.
Methods
In a retrospective study at Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China, undertaken between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2015, patients were classified into two groups based on the level of the para‐aortic lymphadenectomy at either IMA (group A) or renal vessels (group B). Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival were assessed.
Results
The study involved 102 women (56 in group A and 46 in group B). The two groups were comparable regarding clinical characteristics, and there were no statistically significant differences in perioperative variables between the groups. 15.2% of patients (7/46) had metastases at renal vessels level without metastases below IMA. Median PFS in group B was longer than group A (41 months vs 23 months, P=0.041) and 5‐year survival rate was greater in group B compared to group A (74.6% vs 48.2%, P=0.003). Median overall survival was longer in group B compared to group A (not reached vs 55 months, P=0.03).
Conclusion
Para‐aortic lymphadenectomy at the level of renal vessels was safe and could improve the prognosis of patients with advanced ovarian cancer who completed optimal cytoreduction.