The number of lymph nodes required for accurate staging is a critical
component in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was designed to determine
the factors that influence the number of harvested lymph nodes
(≥12) in resective R0 early-stage CRC in a single institution. A total of
100 patients (71.9%) with 12 or more harvested lymph nodes and 39
patients (28.1%) with < 12 lymph nodes were analyzed. The number of
harvested lymph nodes was highly variable in patients who underwent resection
of R0 CRC. Neither the surgeon nor the pathologist had significant
influence on the number of harvested lymph nodes. Therefore, from
the viewpoint of the surgeons, disease itself is the most important factor
influencing the number of harvested lymph nodes.
