title: Extraperitoneal para-aortic node dissection through an upper abdominal incision.
abstract: A surgical technique for para-aortic lymph node evaluation for metastatic tumor by the extraperitoneal approach is described. The procedure is devised to avoid gastrointestinal complications frequently found after transperitoneal evaluation of the para-aortic area followed by extended field irradiation. The surgical procedure was performed in 20 patients. Nine patients treated with 6000 rads extended field irradiation remained without gastrointestinal complications after 3 to 16 months of follow-up.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal; D003949:Diagnostic Techniques, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008722:Methods