A case report of the transanal lateral lymph node dissection with a combined abdominal assisted approach for the lower rectal cancer

INTRODUCTION: Low and mid rectal cancer cells have the tendency to spread in the lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN). The Japanese guidelines recommend systematic lymph node dissection when a positive LPLN is suspected or in stages II–III rectal cancer. However, laparoscopic lymph node dissection is complex and challenging. We introduce transanal LPLN dissection using an abdominal approach. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 78-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed lower rectal wall thickening and bilateral lateral lymph node swelling. We performed laparoscopic abdominal peritoneal resection with combined bilateral LPLN dissection using abdominal and transanal approaches. He had an uneventful postoperative course with no signs of recurrence at the 5-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: LPLN metastases for low rectal cancer especially occur at the bottom of the deep pelvic spaces. As laparoscopic LPLND for low rectal cancer can be complicated, we adopted abdominal and transanal approaches, which provide the advantage of an anatomical view. This procedure may improve lateral pelvic anatomical structure viewing, and may offer advantages over laparoscopic abdominal approaches for visualizing and dissecting LPLNs. CONCLUSION: Curative resection has become available for rectal cancer with transanal LPLN dissection. LPLN dissection with combined abdominal and transanal approaches is a feasible treatment for advanced rectal cancer.