[The outcome of D2 lymphadenectomy on staging and prognosis of stomach carcinoma--a prospective study].

The influence of D2-lymphadenectomy on staging and prognosis of gastric cancer was evaluated in a study including 195 consecutive patients (1986-1994). An impressive state migration could be proven in the UICC stages II, IIIa und IIIb, which led to significant differences in the survival rates for stages II and IIIa. We conclude that an extended lymphadenectomy contributes mainly to the accuracy of staging, while the improvement of the survival rates in studies comparing D1- with D2-lymphadenectomy is caused mainly by stage migration ("Will-Rogers phenomenon").