Lymph Node Count and Ratio in Assessment of Colon Cancer Surgery

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of lymph node count (LNC) and lymph node ratio (LNR) in the surgical prognostic assessment of colon cancer. Methods: To analyze the correlation among LNC, LNR, and clinicopathological features including systemic inflammatory response (SIR) in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. To provide a new evaluation idea for clinicians to evaluate the prognosis of colon cancer surgery. The methods of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of patients who underwent colon cancer resection at the Affiliated Bozhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University from August 1, 2013 to August 1, 2023. LNC (<12 / ≥12) and LNR (<0.25 / ≥0.25) were analyzed using Chi-square test and logistic regression, as well as clinicopathological characteristics including modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, C-reactive protein and albumin, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio. Univariate and multifactorial analyses were performed to analyze the relationship between LNR (<0.25 / ≥0.25) and clinicopathological characteristics and LNC≥12. Results: In multifactorial analysis, significant differences were found between T stage, N stage, LNR (≥0.25), luminal / open, and COPD (P<0.05). Among patients with LNC≥12 and positive lymph nodes, multivariate analysis showed that elevated LNR (≥0.25) was linked to T stage, NLR, and peritoneal invasion. Conclusion: LNC and LNR were unrelated with SIR labeling. The LNC and LNR, on the reverse hand, are directly related. In quality surgical and pathologic practice, when compared to N stage, LNR offers a better prognostic value for patients having surgery for colon cancer.The findings of this study demonstrate that LNR is dependent on LNC and has prognostic value in colon cancer patients.