Senzitivnost, specifičnost in klinični pomen mikrometastaz in varovalne bezgavke pri bolnikih po gastrektomoji zaradi raka želodca z uporabo RT-PCR (Slovene)

If we prove the validity of our focused sentinel lymph node concept, the results could have a great impact on the operative strategies in gastric cancer patients. The published studies base on the screening of a large number of lymph nodes to acertain the necessary sensitivities for micrometastases detection. Our hypothesis is, that the same results can be obtained with the focused accesment of certain high-risk lymph nodes. In this manner, the time for lymph node accessment can be drastically shortened and the obtained results used during the operation. With our protocol, it will be possible to perform smaller procedures on selected pacients in the future. Patients will have shorter hospital stays, beter functional results with equal long-term survival. Micrometastases could be used as a negative prognostic factor for patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy.

A smaller procedure carries the benefit of a shorter hospitalisation and a reduction of hospitalisation costs. The benefits for the national health care service are enormous especially in the field of gastric cancer patients. Additionaly, the diagnostical and therapeutical procedured of funtional complications after radical resections could be lessened.