Laparoscopic Obturator Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Prostatic Cancer

Abstract

The results of 33 laparoscopic obturator lymph node dissections in patients with locally confined prostatic cancer are presented and compared with open surgery dissections. The hospitalization time was 3 days with the laparoscopic technique, a reduction by 50% compared with open surgery. The operation time was increased from 60 to 100 minutes. No serious complications were encountered. The postoperative recovery was fast and uneventful. The number of glands dissected out was slightly lower than at open surgery. Obturator lymph node metastases were found in 15% of the patients in the laparoscopic series.

Keywords:

• laparoscopy
• prostatic cancer
• metastases