Consensus Meeting on the “Anatomy on the Border”: Systematic Thoracic Lymph Node Dissection Procedures for Lung and Esophageal Cancer

Background: This study aimed to explore the commonalities and differences in systematic lymph node dissection between lung and esophageal cancer surgeries. Methods: A survey comprising 11 questions related to systematic lymph node dissection techniques for both lung and esophageal cancer was conducted across 265 facilities specializing in thoracic and esophageal surgeries. Additionally, a comprehensive search was performed using the MEDLINE database. Results: Responses were received from 63 facilities specializing in thoracic surgery and 79 facilities specializing in esophageal surgery. Many facilities chose minimally invasive surgery for lung and esophageal cancer. Most thoracic and esophageal surgeons paid attention to the concepts of visceral and vascular sheaths. The results of the survey and literature review revealed the key anatomical structures that define the area of mediastinal lymph node dissection. Conclusion: This survey and the literature review have clarified the current consensus among thoracic and esophageal surgeons regarding systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection.