Lymph node dissection in clinically node-negative intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymph node dissection (LND) in clinically node-negative (cN0) intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remains controversial. While LND improves staging accuracy, its survival benefit in cN0-iCCA is uncertain.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD420251050907). PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched through May 2025 for studies comparing curative-intent liver resection with or without LND in cN0-iCCA. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

Results

Five retrospective studies comprising 1,290 patients (507 LND, 783 non-LND) were included. The pooled analysis showed a non-significant trend toward im

SUBMITTER: Sarkhampee P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12771715 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature