title: Standardization of radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for bladder cancer: a collaborative group report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We propose standards for radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of patients with invasive bladder cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compiled the consecutive cystectomy experience of 16 experienced surgeons during the last 3 years (2000 to 2002) from 4 institutions. We evaluated patient, tumor and surgical variables of margin status, extent of pelvic node dissection, number of nodes examined and surgeon volume associated with bladder cancer outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1,091 cystectomy cases were evaluated. Surgical margins and number of nodes retrieved correlated with patient age, prior treatments, pathological tumor stage and extent of node dissection, but not surgeon volume.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Standards for radical cystectomy can be established and achieved by experienced surgeons operating on patients presenting with diverse clinical situations.
authors.affiliation: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Herr
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lerner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015653:Cystectomy / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000592:standards*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010388:Pelvis; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*