Lymph Node Removal During Surgery

From other messages on this forum,i have read where patients have had a significant amount of their Lymph Nodes removed during their surgery.I am wondering why my hubbys doctor, said that my husbands nodes were to big, and also to many to remove.The catscan and petscan revealed this to be the case.On tuesday his surgeon is going to do a laparscopy and take a look around, and do a biopsy of these lymph nodes.I feel it would have been best to open up his abdomen and remove what he can, there and there...I would really appreciate other views about this........Best wishes from joy.

I too would like to know how others feel about the laparoscopy. My father (67) was just diagnosed on April 30 and I feel like we keep getting the run around. After all the testing (GI, CT, PET), we are now told they need to look inside laparoscopically and take a biopsy of the lymph nodes. I'm wondering, why can't they just schedule the operation to remove the stomach AND the affected nodes if applicable all at once already? You would think that for a disease this serious they would create some sense of urgency and get to the source right away? I guess I'm new to this and just confused, worried and anxious. Please help...

Even though this was not my Husband's experience I have read other's stories where they tell of the surgeon going in that way to look around at the lymph nodes, nearby organs, and to see if cancer has spread outside the stomach. Sometimes Stomach cancer can cause what's called "seeding" outside of the stomach that can't be seen on any of the scans (ct,pet,etc). The surgeon told us that it looks like white sesame seeds throughout the gut and they can only see it by actually looking in there. If your loved ones are eligible for the surgery to remove the stomach and lymph nodes you DO want a surgeon that will remove as many lymph nodes as possible. Studies have shown that there is an improved survival rate when more nodes are removed. In Japan, where Stomach Cancer is common they remove lots of lymph nodes and sometimes surgeons refer to this as the "japanese method". take care, Amy

Thx for the explanation, Amy. I read your other inspiring post about your husband and am hopeful that we will have a successful outcome as well!

Joy, I'm assuming all went well with the laparoscopy with your husband today? Can you let me know what we should expect? My dad is having the same procedure next Thursday. Thanks!