Two‐ versus three‐field lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of early and late results

Abstract This study aims to estimate whether prophylactic cervical lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer influences the short‐ and long‐term results through a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis. Twenty‐eight articles were selected in this systematic review, encompassing 9180 patients. Prophylactic neck lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer should be performed with caution, as it is associated with worse short‐term results compared to traditional two‐field lymphadenectomy and does not improve long‐term survival.