Randomized clinical trial on D2 lymphadenectomy versus D2 lymphadenectomy plus complete mesogastric excision in patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer (DCGC01 study).

Chao Y-K, Li Z, Jiang H, Wen Y-W, Chiu C-H, Li B et al.

Br J Surg 2024; 111: znae143.

This study included 203 patients with tumour lymph nodes near the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Successful removal of lymph nodes adjacent to the nerve was more likely with robotic dissection (88.3 versus 69 per cent video-assisted, P<0.001). The rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy after surgery was also reduced by robotic dissection: 20.4 versus 34 per cent, P=0.029.

Comment: Surgery was more accurate with the robot, with reduced recurrent laryngeal nerve damage.

Huang Z-N, Tang Y-H, Zhong Q, Li P, Xie J-W, Wang J-B et al.

Ann Surg 2024; 279: 923-931.

In this study that included 236 patients, the number of lymph nodes retrieved was significantly higher in the indocyanine green group: 48 versus 38, P<0.001.

Comment: Clinical outcomes awaited.

Kikuchi S, Matsusaki T, Mitsuhashi T, Kuroda S, Kashima H, Takata N et al.

BJS Open; 8: zrad161.

Pain scores at rest 48h after surgery were lower after epidural (1.94 versus 2.63, P=0.043) in this study that included 129 procedures.

Comment: Epidural remains optimal.