Impact of D3 lymph node dissection extent on postoperative bowel function and nutritional status in right-sided colon cancer: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

AIM AND BACKGROUND

This study investigates the impact of D3 lymph node dissection extent on postoperative bowel function and nutritional status in patients undergoing radical surgery for right-sided colon cancer. Given that postoperative diarrhea can significantly affect the quality of life, we examined whether dissection boundaries influence these outcomes.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at a high-volume tertiary hospital. Eligible patients with right-sided colon cancer were randomly assigned to undergo D3 lymphadenectomy extending to either the left side of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV group) or the left side of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA group). The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative diarrhea. Secondary outcomes included chylous leakage, number of retrieved lymph nodes, postoperative recovery parameters, and nutritional status.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were enrolled, and 76 patients (SMV: 38, SMA: 38) were included in the final analysis. The incidence of postoperative diarrhea was significantly higher in the SMA group than in the SMV group (39.5% vs. 18.4%; P = 0.043). Chylous leakage was also more frequent in the SMA group (21.1% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.042). Although more lymph nodes were retrieved in the SMA group than in the SMV group (P = 0.043), the number of positive lymph nodes did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.370). Subgroup analysis showed that female patients in the SMA group had a significantly higher incidence of diarrhea compared to those in the SMV group (53.3% vs. 9.1%; P = 0.019), while male patients in the SMA group had a higher incidence of chylous leakage (30.4% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.035). Patients with stage I-II tumors in the SMA group experienced more postoperative diarrhea than those in the SMV group (50.0% vs. 18.2%; P = 0.029), whereas no significant difference was observed in stage III patients (P > 0.05). No significant differences in postoperative recovery times or nutritional status were noted between the groups. At a median follow-up of 37 months, the incidence of chronic diarrhea was 21.1% in the SMA group and 10.5% in the SMV group (P = 0.208). No significant differences in recurrence or survival were observed between groups.

CONCLUSION

Extending D3 lymphadenectomy to the SMA increases lymph node yield but is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative diarrhea and chylous leakage, without clear short-term oncologic benefit. These findings underscore the importance of balancing oncologic thoroughness with functional recovery and may inform more individualized, patient-centered surgical planning through shared decision-making.