Beyond station 16: A pathway-aware framework for gallbladder cancer lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant therapy

Table 2 Source-specific lymph-node metrics and interpretation

Ref.	Reported metric	Metric type	Interpretation for this review
AJCC 8th edition[11]	Number-based pN classification	Staging framework	Supports quantitative nodal staging; does not define an extended operative field
Ito et al[24] and Widmann et al[32]	At least six examined nodes	Staging/adequacy threshold	Useful quantitative floor for staging, not proof of therapeutic benefit
Yoon et al[27]	11-node cutoff proposed to reduce false N0 staging	Staging-accuracy reference	Supports careful nodal evaluation; survival association should not be read as causation
Tang et al[28]	Fusion LND increased mean yield vs standard dissection	Technical yield comparison	Demonstrates feasibility and detection gain; not definitive survival evidence
Vega et al[30]	At least four nodes as an international benchmark	Pragmatic quality benchmark	Shows real-world heterogeneity and difficulty achieving higher thresholds
Giehl-Brown et al[31]	Extended LND ≥ 6 associated with morbidity in major resections without independent OS/RFS benefit	Retrospective comparative caution	Reinforces separation of staging value from unproven therapeutic value

LND: Lymph-node dissection; OS: Overall survival; RFS: Recurrence-free survival.