Lateral pelvic lymph node positivity (LPLNP) score: predictive clinic-radiological model of lateral pelvic lymph node involvement in rectal cancer patients

The population in Western countries differs significantly from that in Eastern countries, and the prevalence of lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) involvement in Western populations remains largely unknown due to the limited application of LPLN dissection (LPLND). This discrepancy is primarily attributed to the higher body mass index commonly observed in Western populations, which increases the risk of intraoperative complications. Consequently, the aim of this study is to describe a specific Western clinico-radiological selection tool for LPLND, namely, the lateral pelvic lymph node positivity (LPLNP) score.