title: Lymphadenectomy in minimally invasive urologic oncology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Standardization of pelvic lymphadenectomy in the urologic community is strongly needed. The definition of limited versus extended pelvic lymphadenectomy in the literature is variable, and the indications and extent of dissection is often surgeon dependent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic prostatectomy with extended lymphadenectomy can be performed safely, retrieves a higher node count, and yields positive nodes more frequently than a limited lymphadenectomy. Lymphadenectomy remains the best method to stage prostate cancer; further studies are needed, however, to assess the potential therapeutic benefits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extended lymphadenectomy provides short-term functional and oncologic outcomes that compare favorably to data published in large open series. Renal cell cancer with nodal metastases is an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with clinical M0 disease. In experienced hands, laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for renal cell cancer is safe and allows for adequate staging of nodal status or tumor debulking before secondary therapy. The therapeutic benefits of lymph node dissection are still controversial.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Urology, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Alex J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Vanni
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moinzadeh
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D014565:Urogenital Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*