Extended lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer is debatable.

Abstract

Surgery is an essential part of the treatment of patients with esophageal carcinoma. However, there is no consensus on whether the surgical technique can be improved to promote better survival outcome. Specifically, the real value of the addition of a radical lymphadenectomy to the esophageal resection is still elusive and controversial. This paper focuses on the debate of esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy for the treatment of esophageal cancer.