[The significance and the indication to dissect para-aortic lymph nodes in esophageal and cardiac cancers].

Recently, now that the para-aortic lymph nodes have become a focus of attention, there has been a tendency to dissect the para-aortic lymph nodes of the abdomen for cases of esophago-cardiac cancers. One of the reasons why R4 procedures are being performed is due to the development of a clear analysis of the lymphatic pathways. In view of the importance of para-aortic lymph nodes, particularly focusing on the lymph nodes adjacent to left renal vein, we also are performing extended systemic lymph node dissections in certain cases. In determining the indication, a preoperative diagnosis by echogram of the neck region is important, and also a diagnosis of the para-aortic region as well. The significant benefit of para-aortic dissection is to be able to carry out a complete R3 procedure.