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Diagnostic Value of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

  • Gastrointestinal Oncology
  • Published:
Annals of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The possible application and validity of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept in gastric cancer (GC) is still debated. A systematic review to evaluate the diagnostic value of SLN biopsy (SLNB) in GC is urgently needed.

Methods

A systematic review of relevant literatures was performed in PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library. A random-effect model was used to pool the data, and subgroup analysis was used to explain the heterogeneities.

Results

A total of 38 included studies (2,128 patients) were included. The pooled SLN identification rate, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 93.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 91.1–95.6%), 76.9% (95% CI: 71.6–81.4%), 90.3% (95% CI: 86.9–92.9%), and 92.0% (95% CI: 89.9–93.7%), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that early T stage, combined tracers, submucosal injection method, conventional open surgery, and usage of immunohistochemistry were associated with higher SLN identification rate and sensitivity.

Conclusions

SLNB in GC is technically feasible with an acceptable sensitivity. However, further studies are needed to confirm the best procedure and standard criteria.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

    Zhen Wang MD, Jun-Qiang Chen PhD & Jin-Lu Liu MD

  2. Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

    Zhi-Yong Dong MD

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  1. Zhen Wang MD
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  2. Zhi-Yong Dong MD
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  3. Jun-Qiang Chen PhD
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  4. Jin-Lu Liu MD
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Correspondence to Zhen Wang MD or Jun-Qiang Chen PhD.

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Wang, Z., Dong, ZY., Chen, JQ. et al. Diagnostic Value of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 19, 1541–1550 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-011-2124-2

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