Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection.

Traditionally, cancer of the prostate has been staged by digital exam, ultrasound, CT scan, bone scan, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) determinations. These methods commonly lead to understaging, resulting in surgical or radiation therapy of questionable benefit. Pathologic staging, even though reliable and accurate, requires laparotomy with its associated morbidity and lengthy hospitalization/recovery period. Following national trends, we have recently introduced the technique of Laparoscopic Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection (LPND) at our institution. In July 1990 we performed the first LPND at CAMC (Memorial Division). This report details our experience with the first three patients treated in this manner and suggest that the procedure can be performed safely, effectively, and with a significant reduction in morbidity, thus allowing the surgeon to obtain an adequate specimen for pathologic staging. Possible cost containment, minimal discomfort, and little scarring are other advantages that appeal to both patients and surgeons alike.