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Systematic lymph node dissection for clinically diagnosed peripheral non-small-cell lung cancer less than 2 cm in diameter.

The value of radical systematic lymphadenectomy for treatment of early-stage bronchial carcinoma is controversial. We performed a prospective randomized study to address this question. Altogether 115 patients with peripheral non-small-cell lung cancers smaller than 2 cm in diameter were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned into a lobectomy with lymph node sampling group (sampling group, n = 56) or a lobectomy with radical systematic lymph node dissection group (dissection group, n = 59). Inclusion criteria were based only on preoperative clinical studies. Four tumors were larger than 2 cm postoperatively. One patient had disseminated disease, and two had intrapulmonary metastases discovered at surgery. Two patients had small-cell carcinoma. There were four with pathologic N1 disease and seven with N2 disease in the dissection group and three with N1 and eight with N2 disease in the sampling group. The numbers of local and distant recurrences were two and six, respectively, in the dissection group and two and five in the sampling group. The overall 5-year survival was 81% in the dissection group and 84% in the sampling group. No significant differences in the recurrence rate or survival was seen between the groups. Our results demonstrate that clinically evaluated peripheral non-small-cell carcinomas smaller than 2 cm in diameter do not require radical systematic mediastinal and hilar lymph node dissection.

Aged↗

Going back to dissection in a medical curriculum: the paradigm of Necker-Enfants Malades.

In 1999, we first reported on various methods of teaching anatomy subsequent to visits to a variety of medical schools in the United States and Europe. We compared the number of contact hours for lectures, dissection classes and tutorials and provided different models for the teaching of anatomy. With respect to the nine French medical schools surveyed, it is clear that the French model is characterized by being lecture-orientated (time in lectures > time in tutorials > time spent on dissection). For the American model (also in the UK and some other parts of Europe), the training is often characterized by being dissection-based (time spent on dissection > time in lectures > time in tutorials; 10 medical schools surveyed). Exceptionally, in one Australian school, time in tutorials exceeds time in lectures (dissection = 0). The differences between the French and American models relate to teaching aims-where dissection predominates, the aims are not just the learning of anatomical facts but include practical skill acquisition and experiential learning. In 2001, to help us change the methods of teaching of anatomy in our medical school at CHU Necker-Enfants Malades (Paris V, France), we asked other French medical schools (and some foreign schools) to suggest ways of organizing anatomy training within certain time constraints. In this paper, we present the answers received. The responses received were of two kinds: (1) those providing a description of the anatomy teaching in their own medical school; (2) those providing a system for organizing the teaching if we, in Paris, have 120 hours in total to teach gross anatomy (except neuroanatomy). In the latter case, a considerable variety of different, and innovative, alternative schemes were suggested that are described in this article.

Anatomy↗

Minimally invasive surgery for axillary dissection. Cadaveric feasibility study.

Axillary dissection is the major cause of morbidity in breast cancer and primary cutaneous melanoma of the extremity. In the present study, we examine the potential benefits and advantages of endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection over conventional surgery. Twenty endoscopic axillary dissections and 10 lymph node samplings were performed in 10 cadavers (four male, six female). A preperitoneal distention balloon (PDB) system was used to dissect the axilla. In four of the cadavers, the procedure was followed by open surgery. The axillary contents were examined for lymphatic tissue by a pathologist. The endoscopic technique offered easy access to the axilla and clear visualization of the axillary vein, as well as the long thoracic and thoracodorsal nerves. Results were comparable to those achieved with the classic surgical dissection. Endoscopy is feasible for axillary lymph node dissection and sampling in cases of breast cancer and primary cutaneous melanoma of the extremity. Further studies in patients are needed to reach definitive conclusions.

Axilla↗

Denonvilliers' fascia lies anterior to the fascia propria and rectal dissection plane in total mesorectal excision.

PURPOSE: Opinion is divided whether Denonvilliers' fascia lies anterior or posterior to the anatomic fascia propria plane of anterior rectal dissection in total mesorectal excision. This study was designed to evaluate this anatomic relationship by assessing the presence or absence of Denonvilliers' fascia on the anterior surface of the extraperitoneal rectum in specimens resected for both nonanterior and anterior rectal cancer in males. METHODS: Surgical specimens were collected prospectively from males undergoing total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer, with a deep dissection of the anterior extraperitoneal rectum to the pelvic floor. Specimens were histopathologically analyzed using best practice methods for rectal cancer. The anterior aspects of the extraperitoneal rectal sections were examined microscopically for the presence or absence of Denonvilliers' fascia. RESULTS: Thirty rectal specimens were examined. Denonvilliers' fascia was present in 12 (40 percent) and absent in 18 specimens (60 percent). Denonvilliers' fascia was significantly more frequently present when tumor involved (55 percent) rather than spared the anterior rectal quadrant (10 percent; difference between groups 45 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 30-60 percent; P = 0.024, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: When tumors were nonanterior, rectal dissection was conducted on fascia propria in the usual anatomic plane, and Denonvilliers' fascia was not present on the specimen. It was almost exclusively found in anterior tumors, deliberately taken by a radical extra-anatomic anterior dissection in the extramesorectal dissection plane. Denonvilliers' fascia lies anterior to the anatomic fascia propria plane of anterior rectal dissection and is more closely applied to the prostate than the rectum.

Adult↗

Coronary dissection: a predictor of restenosis?

To determine if arterial dissection resulting from transluminal coronary angioplasty (TCA) leads to a greater incidence of restenosis, 273 consecutive patients who had undergone TCA with at least 1 year of follow-up were examined. Success was graded as a greater than or equal to 20% increase in intraluminal diameter. Dissection was defined as a prominent intimal defect at the site of angioplasty. Restenosis was defined as a 50% loss of the initial angiographic gain. Of 216 patients in whom TCA was successful, 64 (30%) had dissections at the site of angioplasty and 152 (70%) had no dissection. During follow-up, 135 patients were asymptomatic with normal results of exercise tolerance tests, recurrent symptoms developed in 81 patients, and 64 patients underwent repeat angiography. The overall restenosis rate was 21%. In the dissection group, 11 (18%) had documented restenosis and 49 (82%) did not develop restenosis. In the nondissection group, 35 (24%) had documented restenosis and 113 (76%) did not develop restenosis. These data show that patients who develop dissections at the time of TCA are no more likely to develop restenosis during follow-up.

Aged↗

Echocardiography in aortic root dissection and dilatation.

Six patients with aortic root dissection proved by angiography, surgery or autopsy, and six patients with aortic root dilatation were studied by echocardiography. Echocardiography was diagnostic in five or six patients with dissection and suggestive in the sixth, disclosing anterior and posterior dissection in three, anterior dissection in one and posterior dissection in one. The recording of a double echo in the aorta was the diagnostic feature. Angiography was diagnostic in four of the six patients, yielded a false negative result in one and was not performed in one. Six patients with dilatation had an enlarged aortic root by echocardiography. Left ventricular size, stroke volume, ejection fraction, aortic regurgitant flow and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening were calculated in 11 patients. Echocardiography was extremely helpful in the diagnosis, management and follow-up in patients with aortic dissection or dilatation.

Aortic Aneurysm↗

Colonic mucosal dissection following electrocautery or laser polypectomy.

Mucosal proctectomy and ileoanal anastomosis is being increasingly performed on patients with familial polyposis, many of whom have undergone previous subtotal colectomy followed by endoscopic surveillance and polypectomy with monopolar electrocautery (MPEC) or, more recently, argon laser (AL). Our aim was to compare the ease of mucosal dissection following polypectomy with MPEC or AL in the canine colon. At celiotomy, two groups of fifteen 5- to 7-mm sessile polyps were surgically created in the descending colon of five mongrel dogs. Six weeks later, each animal underwent flexible colonoscopy and polyp fulguration with MPEC (15 polyps) and AL (15 polyps). Fulguration was performed weekly for 2-3 weeks until all polyps had been obliterated. Ten weeks later, mucosal dissection was performed with the operating team unaware of prior treatment. Mucosal dissection was scored for dissectability (1 to 4; 1 = facile, 4 = difficult), blood loss, operating time, and number of mucosal perforations with the last three parameters normalized to 100 cm2 of mucosa. AL and MPEC were equally effective at polyp obliteration; however, more AL-treated polyps required retreatment than MPEC-treated polyps (P less than 0.05). After AL treatment, mucosal dissection was more facile [dissectability index (mean +/- SEM): 1.4 +/- 0.2 vs 2.6 +/- 0.2; P less than 0.05] and could be performed more quickly (15.1 +/- 2.4 min vs 23.6 +/- 2.7 min; P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

The morphology of coronary arterial dissection occurring subsequent to angioplasty and its influence on acute complications.

We reviewed the records of 402 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty to identify factors predicting an ischemic event with arterial disruption during an otherwise uncomplicated angioplasty. Major dissection of the coronary arteries without immediate occlusion was found in 25 patients, who exhibited 28 dissected lesions. Dissections were classified into 2 types: those producing a continuous extraluminal and parallel filling tract, and those with a continuous parallel filling tract extending into and compromising the lumen. Ischemic complications (defined as myocardial infarction, the need for repeat angioplasty, or coronary arterial bypass surgery) occurred in 6 patients (24%) within 24 hours of the completion of the procedure. The remaining 19 patients had an uncomplicated hospital course. Acute ischemic complications following dissection correlated with the percentage of luminal compromise 50 +/- 0% in those with complications as opposed to 17 +/- 21% in those without: P less than 0.001) and the development of dissection producing a filling tract which compromised at least half the lumen (100% in those with complications versus 9.1% in those without: P less than 0.001). There was a trend towards an increase in ischemic complications in patients with proximal and eccentric lesions. We conclude that patients who develop dissections which produce significant luminal compromise after an otherwise uncomplicated angioplasty are at a high risk of developing an acute ischemic complication within 24 hours of the procedure.

Acute Disease↗

Groin dissection versus groin radiation in carcinoma of the vulva: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine if groin radiation was superior to and less morbid than groin dissection. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Members of the Gynecologic Oncology Group randomized 58 patients with squamous carcinoma of the vulva and nonsuspicious (N0-1) inguinal nodes to receive either groin dissection or groin radiation, each in conjunction with radical vulvectomy. Radiation therapy consisted of a dose of 50 Gray given in daily 200 centiGray fractions to a depth of 3 cm below the anterior skin surface. RESULTS: The study was closed prematurely when interim monitoring revealed an excessive number of groin relapses on the groin radiation regimen. Metastatic involvement of the groin nodes was projected to occur in 24% of patients based on this Group's previous experience. On the groin dissection regimen, there were 5/25 (20.0%) patients with positive groin nodes. These patients received post-operative radiation. There were five groin relapses among the 27 (18.5%) patients on the groin radiation regimen and none on the groin dissection regimen. The groin dissection regimen had significantly better progression-free interval (p = 0.03) and survival (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Radiation of the intact groins as given in this study is significantly inferior to groin dissection in patients with squamous carcinoma of the vulva and N0-1 nodes.

Adult↗

Adjunctive nephrectomy at post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for nonseminomatous germ cell testicular cancer.

PURPOSE: Patients with metastatic testicular cancer with residual masses encasing the renal hilum or kidney after platin based chemotherapy may require adjunctive nephrectomy to achieve complete resection at post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. We reviewed our experience with adjunctive nephrectomy to assess the impact on cancer control and renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 647 post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection procedures performed at our institution since 1989 adjunctive nephrectomy has been performed in 32 patients (5%). Patient information was obtained from a prospective database. Median followup was 31 months. RESULTS: Of the adjunctive nephrectomy procedures 17 (53%) were performed in high risk settings such as post-salvage chemotherapy, desperation retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, late relapse and reoperative retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Disease was present in the adjunctive nephrectomy specimen in 21 patients (66%). Following post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection 7 patients had disease relapse and 5-year disease-free survival was 66%. No case of relapse required substitution for cisplatin due to compromised renal function. Progression to chronic renal insufficiency occurred in 3 patients, 1 of whom required hemodialysis. The calculated creatinine clearance after adjunctive nephrectomy was more than 30% below the age specific norm in 14 patients (50%) and median patient age was 40 years. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive nephrectomy at post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is most frequently performed in patients with high risk features to ensure the completeness of resection. When indicated, adjunctive nephrectomy should be performed because residual cancer is frequently present and long-term cancer control can be achieved in 66% of patients. Although adjunctive nephrectomy did not interfere with subsequent chemotherapy, the renal reserve in these patients was substantially reduced in 50%, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures to preserve long-term renal function.

Adolescent↗

In vivo identification of sentinel lymph nodes for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer for abbreviation of mediastinal lymph node dissection.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that an identification of sentinel lymph node (SN) with a techenetium-99m (99mTc) tin colloid by ex vivo counting, i.e. the radio-activity of dissected lymph nodes, was a reliable method of establishing the first site of nodal metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer [J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 124(2002)486]. However, for SN navigation surgery, SN should be identified before lymph node dissection (in vivo) but not after that (ex vivo). In order to reduce mediastinal lymph node dissection for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by SN navigation surgery, the SN identifications for hilar lymph nodes by ex vivo counting, and for mediastinal lymph nodes by in vivo, were evaluated. METHODS: Intra-operative SN identification using 99mTc tin colloid was conducted on 104 patients with clinical stage I NSCLC who had had major lung resections with mediastinal lymph node dissections. The hilar SNs were identified by ex vivo counting (after lung resection) and the mediastinal SNs were identified by in vivo counting (before lymph node dissection). To evaluate the accuracy of mediastinal SN identification by in vivo counting, it was compared with the data by ex vivo counting. RESULTS: SNs were identified in 84 patients (81%). SNs were identified at the hilum by ex vivo counting in 78 patients (93%) and at the mediastinum by in vivo counting in 40 patients (48%). While 15 patients had lymph node metastases, i.e. N1 in six and N2 in nine, the SNs could be found to have metastases during operation in 13 of the 15 patients (87%). The in vivo counting of the mediastinum missed out the mediastinal SNs identified by ex vivo counting in four of the 84 patients (5%). CONCLUSION: If the hilar SNs identified by ex vivo counting and the mediastinal SNs identified by in vivo counting had no metastases, then mediastinal lymph node dissection could be abbreviated for patients with clinical stage I NSCLC.

Aged↗

Systematic node dissection by VATS is not inferior to that through an open thoracotomy: a comparative clinicopathologic retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Major pulmonary resection with systematic node dissection (SND) for early lung cancer by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is performed in many institutes, but the feasibility of SND for early lung cancer by VATS remains controversial. The aim of this study was to elucidate the feasibility and safety of SND by VATS. METHODS: Three hundred fifty patients with clinical stage I lung cancer who underwent pulmonary major resection with SND between 1998 and 2003 were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 191 (VATS group) underwent pulmonary resection with SND by VATS; 159 patients (open thoracotomy [OT] group) did so through anterolateral thoracotomy. The clinical and pathologic data, including the number of dissected nodes in each nodal station, of the 2 groups were compared to evaluate the feasibility of SND by VATS. RESULTS: Pathologic data showed that, in the VATS group, more patients had adenocarcinoma (P = .0078) and fewer patients had advanced factors than the OT group. The greatest tumor diameter was 24.5 mm and 29.6 mm in the VATS group and OT group, respectively (P < .0001). The total number of mediastinal nodes dissected in right upper lobectomy plus right middle lobectomy (RUL+RML), right lower lobectomy (RLL), left upper lobectomy (LUL), and lower left lobectomy (LLL) also did not differ between the 2 groups. The total number of mediastinal nodes dissected in RUL+RML, RLL, LUL, and LLL was 19.7 in the VATS group versus 22.0 in the OT group (P = .122), 23.4 versus 21.0 (P = .241), 14.8 versus 17.5 (P = .123), and 18.8 versus 15.8 (P = .202), respectively. The number of dissected nodes in each nodal station in RUL+RML, RLL, LUL, and LLL was similar between the 2 groups. Operative mortality, morbidity, or recurrence did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the number of dissected nodes, SND by VATS was not inferior to that of OT. SND by VATS is technically feasible and safe, and seems acceptable for clinical stage I lung cancer.

Disease-Free Survival↗

Open partial nephrectomy using saline-enhanced monopolar radiofrequency device: evaluation of novel surgical technique with TissueLink DS3.0 Dissecting Sealer.

INTRODUCTION: Nephron-sparing surgery has emerged as the preferred surgical management of select renal masses. Advancements in surgical and hemostatic techniques, together with long-term data on cancer-free survival, have led to greater use of these procedures. The TissueLink Dissecting Sealer is a new device that couples radiofrequency energy with low-volume saline irrigation to give improved hemostasis during dissection. We assessed this device as an alternative dissecting tool during open partial nephrectomy. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: A total of 32 consecutive patients underwent open partial nephrectomy during a 20-month period. These masses were resected using the TissueLink Dissecting Sealer or the surgeon's conventional method of dissection (needlepoint electrocautery). Perioperative parameters, including operative time, tumor size, blood loss, and hilar vessel occlusion times, were retrospectively reviewed and compared. The average age in the TissueLink group (n = 16) was 60 years (range 46 to 87) compared with 61 years (range 45 to 89) in the conventional group (n = 16). The average tumor size in the TissueLink group was 3.1 +/- 1.4 cm (range 1.2 to 7.0) compared with 2.5 +/- 1.3 cm (range 0.8 to 6.0) in the conventional group. The hilar vessels were clamped in select patients (with similar occlusion times) from both groups because of deep tumor penetration or a central location. The average blood loss was 126 +/- 40 mL (range 50 to 200) for the TissueLink group versus 194 +/- 105 mL (range 50 to 400) in the conventional group, a statistically significant difference (P = 0.027). No perioperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: TissueLink-assisted open partial nephrectomy is a novel technique that couples radiofrequency energy with low-volume saline irrigation to provide excellent hemostasis during and after renal tumor dissection.

Aged↗

Long-term outcomes of minor dissection at the edge of stents detected with intravascular ultrasound.

We evaluated the influences of minor edge dissections on late angiographic in-stent restenosis in 327 patients with 348 lesions (281 lesions without edge dissection and 67 lesions [19.3%] with edge dissection); the angiographic restenosis rate was 29.9% in the lesions with edge dissections versus 25.3% without edge dissections (p = 0.540). The minor non-flow-limiting dissections at the edge of stents may not be associated with the development of late angiographic in-stent restenosis.

Coronary Angiography↗

Supraspinal accessory lymph node metastases in supraomohyoid neck dissection.

BACKGROUND: Some patients undergoing surgical resection of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx also undergo supraomohyoid neck dissection for staging of the negative (N(o)) neck. Dissection of the supraspinal accessory lymph node pad requires significant traction of the spinal accessory nerve. There are currently no data to indicate the incidence of metastases to this site and thus the necessity of performing dissection of these nodes. METHODS: A prospective analysis of a consecutive series of 44 patients with newly diagnosed squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx undergoing surgical management of the primary lesion with staging neck dissection was performed. Patients underwent unilateral (41) or bilateral (3) supraomohyoid neck dissection with separate submission of the supraspinal accessory lymph node pad for pathologic evaluation to determine the incidence of nodal metastases. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients (32%) had microscopic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma involving the supraomohyoid neck dissection specimen. Only 1 patient had a metastatic deposit involving the supraspinal accessory lymph node pad. This patient also had metastases in additional lymph nodes at level II. There was an equal incidence of metastases for all patients when stratifying by T stage. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report reveals a small incidence of supraspinal accessory lymph node metastases in patients with T + NO squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx. We continue to accrue patients to determine if the incidence of supraspinal accessory lymph node metastases varies with an increased number of patients.

Adolescent↗

VATS for complete dissection of LIMA in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to report our initial experience with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting, using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to facilitate the operation and provide complete dissection of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA). METHODS: Of 44 scheduled patients, 43 patients, 30 (69.8%) male, ranging in age from 31 to 83 years (60.8 +/- 12.0 years), with a severe lesion in the anterior descending artery, were operated upon. An 8-cm left anterior minithoracotomy was performed at the fourth intercostal space. Through this incision the optical device for video-assisted thoracic surgery as well as the surgical instruments were placed to provide complete LIMA dissection. This permits dissection until the subclavian region, allowing for anastomosis without tension or distortion. Bypass circulation was not used, and the cardiac rate was decreased with the use of intravenous beta-blockers. For LIMA-to-anterior descending artery anastomosis, proximal and distal tourniquets were used and 1.5 mg/kg of heparin was administered intravenously. RESULTS: Video-assisted thoracic surgery provided a complete dissection of LIMA. The 43 patients presented satisfactory postoperative progress, being released from the hospital between 2 and 12 days after their operation, with a mean of 4 days. The patients have remained asymptomatic during a period that ranged from 1 to 13 months (6.3 +/- 3.5 months). During the follow-up, there was one death as a result of stroke and pneumonia 2 months after the release from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The use of video-assisted thoracic surgery through thoracotomy allows the LIMA dissection without the necessity of other incisions. The procedure also permitted more ample dissection of LIMA when compared with minithoracotomy without video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Adult↗

Partial zona dissection or subzonal sperm insertion: microsurgical fertilization alternatives based on evaluation of sperm and embryo morphology.

OBJECTIVE: To establish guidelines for application of partial zona dissection, subzonal sperm insertion, and regular in vitro fertilization (IVF) in severe male factor patients. DESIGN: Two studies were performed: partial zona dissection and IVF was applied in 57 couples during the first period, and subzonal sperm insertion was also applied in a second group of 47 couples. SETTING: Procedures were performed in an academic research environment. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Couples who failed fertilization previously, others not acceptable for IVF, and a third group in whom IVF was expected to fail. INTERVENTIONS: Oocytes were micromanipulated with either partial zona dissection or subzonal sperm insertion, or the zona pellucida was left intact. Embryos were replaced in patients prophylactically treated with methylprednisolone and antibiotics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Because several microsurgical fertilization techniques are now available, this study was performed to compare sperm parameters, embryo morphology, fertilization, and implantation rates after application of two successful micromanipulation procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-one pregnancies were established in 104 patients, 5 definitely from subzonal sperm insertion and 4 from partial zona dissection. Patients who failed IVF before had a similar chance of pregnancy after the use of micromanipulation, as first time patients (9/53 versus 12/51). In a subgroup of 15 patients who failed IVF with insufficient numbers of motile sperm, fertilization was significantly higher after subzonal sperm insertion. Partially zona-dissected embryos from couples with severe teratozoospermia (less than or equal to 5% normal forms; strict criteria) had significantly more morphological abnormalities than those from patients with moderate teratozoospermia (6% to 10% normal forms). In severely teratozoospermic patients, significantly fewer partially zona-dissected than subzonally inserted embryos implanted. CONCLUSIONS: The decision of which micromanipulation method to perform can possibly be based on careful analysis of sperm morphology.

Embryo Implantation↗

Is a limited lymph node dissection an adequate staging procedure for prostate cancer?

PURPOSE: Generally lymph node dissection is only considered a staging procedure for prostate cancer. Therefore, the need for meticulous lymph node dissection is often questioned and only sampling is suggested. We performed a prospective study to identify the pattern of lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer and determine how extensive lymph node dissection must be not to under stage cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with clinically organ confined prostate cancer, no prior hormonal treatment, negative preoperative staging computerized tomography and bone scan, who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1989 and 1999, were evaluated prospectively as to the number and location of lymph node metastasis. A meticulous lymph node dissection was performed along the external iliac vein, obturator nerve and internal iliac (hypogastric) vessels. Nodes from each location and side were submitted separately for histological evaluation. RESULTS: In 365 patients with a median serum prostate specific antigen of 11.9 ng./ml. (range 0.4 to 172) the median number of nodes removed was 21 (range 6 to 50). Lymph nodes were positive in 88 (24%) patients and the median number of positive nodes was 2 (range 1 to 19). Internal iliac lymph nodes were positive in 51 (58%) of the 88 patients, including 34 with additional positive lymph nodes along the external iliac vein and/or obturator nerve. Internal iliac lymph nodes alone were positive in 17 (19%) of 88 patients. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant numbers of lymph node metastases at all 3 different areas of lymphadenectomy. Positive lymph nodes were found along the internal iliac artery in more than half (58%) of the patients and exclusively in 19%. Therefore, we consider lymph node dissection along the internal iliac (hypogastric) vessels essential for representative staging. Without this dissection a fifth of node positive cases would have been under staged and diseased nodes would have remained in more than half of the cases.

Adult↗