Lymphatics and colorectal liver metastases: The case for sentinel node mapping

Abstract

Background: Hepatic resection remains the treatment of choice for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Indications for hepatic resection have been extended to include extrahepatic lymph node groups, resulting in increased survival benefits. The identification of specific lymph pathways and involved nodes is necessary to support the development of guidelines for a more focused approach to the management of this disease. The feasibility of sentinel node mapping should be investigated to define specific lymphatic groups involved in CLM. Methods: Scientific papers published from 1950 to 2012 were sought and extracted from the MEDLINE, PubMed and University of Melbourne databases. Res..