The lymph node dissection, particularly an extended node dissection is technically challenging using laparoscopic or robotic techniques.
Using the data base from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC) database, 1,078 patients who underwent robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) at 18 institutions from 2003-2010 were evaluated for their lymph node yield. 96% of patients underwent a lymph node dissection and the mean lymph node count was 19 (range 1-74). They found Robot-assisted lymphadenectomy can achieve similar lymph node yields to those of open lymphadenectomy (historical reports) after radical cystectomy. High volume surgeons are more likely to perform an extended lymphadenectomy, reflecting a correlation between increasing surgeon comfort with advanced vascular dissection.
Presented by Susan J. Marshall, et al. at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting - May 14 - 19, 2011 - Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC USA
Reported for UroToday by David P. Wood Jr., MD, Professor, Department of Urology, University of Michigan Health System.
View Full AUA 2011 Meeting Coverage
