title: Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy: transperitoneal approach.
abstract: Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedure in urology today. Indications for laparoscopic PLND are being refined to selectively identify patients who are at high risk for lymphatic metastases. From a technical standpoint, the anatomic detail and number of lymph nodes retrieved by the laparoscopic approach are comparable to open PLND. Laparoscopic PLND is associated with a steep learning curve and increased operative time; however, the decreased postoperative discomfort, shortened hospital stay, rapid resumption of normal activities, and enhanced cosmesis are clear advantages over open PLND.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-2360, USA.
authors.forename: I S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010388:Pelvis; D010537:Peritoneum; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors