Objective To summarize and analyze the different views on the extent of lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer, and ways or methods to dissolve the disagreements. Methods The reports and advances on lymphadenectomy in gastric carcinomas were collected and reviewed.Results Eastern and western scholars presented different view on lymph nodes dissection in gastric cancers because of the difference in nationalty,studying method and operating technique.Conclusion Although extended lymph node dissection for gastric cancers are supported by more and more reports, it is difficult to evaluate the role exactly. Searchers over the world should learn from each other and explore further in order to develop guiding principles in the end.
OBJECTIVE: To provide anatomy basis for a free latissimus dorsal muscular flap with the sensate nerve. METHODS: The structure of back and lateral chest area were dissected and the origin, alignment and distribution of the intercostals nerve within the area of latissimus dorsal muscular flap were observed in 40 adult cadaver specimens. RESULTS: The 5th to 10th lateral posterior branches of the thoracic nerve pierced from respective intercostal area near the axial anterior line and run a long distance in deep fascia. They distributed mainly in lateral latissimus skin outside the scapular line and anastomosed with the lower branch near the scapular line. Among these branchs, the 6th to 8th branches had a longer nerve distribution respectively and the pedicle of nerve and artery was parallel and long. CONCLUSION: It is possible to design a sensate latissimus dorsal muscular flap with the 6th to 8th lateral posterior branch of the intercostal nerve.