title: Efficacy of laparoscopic mesenteric/retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lymphadenopathy-identified incidentally during computed tomography (CT) mandates a tissue diagnosis. When percutaneous techniques are not possible, surgical tissue diagnosis becomes necessary. Laparotomy is the current gold standard; however a laparoscopic approach offers many potential benefits.
  
  
  METHODS
  This institutional review board (IRB)-approved study evaluated all patients undergoing laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy from 2001 to 2007 at the Cleveland Clinic. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, pathologic diagnosis, conversion to laparotomy, and perioperative complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 30 cases were reviewed. In this group, 67% were males and 33% were female; mean age was 48 years. Ten patients underwent mesenteric lymph node sampling and 20 (67%) underwent retroperitoneal tumor resection. There were four (17%) conversions and no complications. Lymphoma was the most common pathologic finding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic lymph node biopsy is a safe effective alternative to open surgical biopsy.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Lewis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Diulus
authors.forename: Sricharan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chalikonda
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pitt
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosenblatt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008643:Mesentery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome