Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy: Three-Year Results

Abstract

Objective:

To report our 3-year results of pelvic lymph node dissection in laparoscopic radical cystectomy in our center.

Method:

Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection was performed according to the template proposed by Roth et al. ¹ in patients with bladder cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy in our center. From May 2010 to April 2013, we established a prospective database to include patient demographic data, operative data, pathology findings, and postoperative complications.

Results:

Twenty-four patients (17 male and 7 female; mean age 67 years, range 43–84 years) received laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection from May 2010 to April 2013. On average, the procedure required an additional 2 hours on top of the laparoscopic radical cystectomy procedure. The mean total number of lymph nodes retrieved was 26.6 (range 9–51). Three and five patients had N1 and N2 disease, respectively, and the rest had N0 disease. One patient was readmitted for serous discharge from drain wound, which resolved with conservative treatment.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection adopting the proposed template yielded an adequate number of lymph nodes for nodal staging in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy.

No competing financial interests exist.

Runtime of video: 6 mins 56 secs