This retrospective cohort study explores the association between the interval of nanocarbon application before surgery and the detection of postoperative lymph nodes in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery.

This retrospective study included eligible patients diagnosed with T1-3NanyM0 gastric cancer at Fuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023, based on predefined inclusion criteria. Participants were grouped according to the timing of nanocarbon suspension application: either on the same day as surgery or at least 3 days prior. We compared clinicopathological characteristics between these two groups.

Our findings indicate a significant increase in the number of lymph nodes detected postoperatively in patients who received nanocarbon suspension at least 3 days before surgery compared to those who received it on the same day (26.33 ± 3.42 vs. 30.41 ± 2.16, P < 0.05). Early nanocarbon suspension application was found to be safe, with no observed adverse effects or complications.

Early application of nanocarbon suspension may enhance lymph node detection, potentially allowing for more accurate pathological staging. This approach could provide valuable guidance for subsequent comprehensive anti-tumor therapy.