[The effect of regional lymphatic metastasis on the methods and results of treating stomach neoplasms].

From I 1986 to I 1997 we have operated in our Department 333 patients with gastric cancer. Resection has been done in 204 cases (with total resection rate 97%). Mostly there were patients with advanced disease (totally 160 cases with III and IV stage according to UICC classification). Metastases to regional lymph nodes were confirmed at 186 patients (91%). In every resection for cure and in palliative operations, where it was possible, we have done lymphangiectomy contained D1 and D2 level of regional lymph nodes. We achieved 28.9% 5-year survival rate (according to Kaplan-Meier) with postoperative mortality 2% and low number of surgical complications. Total resection of the stomach with regional node dissection (levels D1 and D2) is good and safe procedure and should be performed in majority cases of gastric cancer particularly in early and middle stages of disease.