Laparoscopic segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection: a good choice for right transverse colon cancer

BACKGROUND: Previous research was yet to establish a definite operation for transverse colon cancer (TCC); surgical procedure was often dictated by the surgeon’s preference in clinical practice. The main surgical methods could be summarized in two main points: segmental colectomy (transverse colectomy) and right hemicolectomy. METHOD: The first patient was a 78-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with right TCC. Computed tomography revealed a right TCC and a very long transverse colon; laparoscopic exploration revealed an enlarged apical lymph node surrounding the ileocolic vessels. We performed a segmental colectomy with extensive apical lymph node dissection along the superior mesenteric vessels and its main branches for her. To distinguish it from the previous radical operations for TCC, we called this operation a segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection. Then, this surgical intervention was performed on 8 other TCC patients. RESULTS: The total operating time was 158 min. Pathological examination confirmed 2 apical lymph node metastases; among them, one apical lymph node metastasis was in group No.203. For all 9 patients, the median operative time was 160 min (range, 140–185 min), the average number of lymph node retrieval was 30 (range, 25–39), and the average number of apical lymph node (No.203, No.213, and No.223) retrieval was 5.9 (range, 0–11). Because of the preservation of the ileocecal junction and part of the ascending colon, all patients recovered uneventfully after surgery, and long-term diarrhea, water-electrolyte imbalance, and other Clavien–Dindo grade III or greater postoperative complications did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure combined the advantages of segmental colectomy and right hemicolectomy and gave consideration to oncological and functional outcomes. It may be an optimal choice for TCC patients with a very long transverse colon and preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02530-4.