Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Prostate Cancer
This review analyzes the anatomy of the prostate gland's lymphatic drainage, the optimal anatomic extend of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and which dissection may be superior, who should undergo a PLND during prostatectomy, and its potential therapeutic benefits and complications. The prostate gland's lymphatic drainage can be variable, but frequently metastatic disease is found in the internal iliac chain. We conclude that the extended PLND yields the most lymph nodes and therefore may be superior. Some have demonstrated an unproven survival benefit after performing an extended PLND, possibly from removal of occult disease or from more accurate staging.
The role of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy has generated considerable debate. The central role of a PLND is to determine the locoregional extent of cancer, and to help evaluate the need for adjuvant therapy and the risk of progression and recurrence. Some believe that PLND is therapeutic and promotes a cancer-specific survival benefit.
This review aims to critically analyze: (1) the anatomy of the prostate gland's lymphatic drainage, (2) the anatomic boundaries of PLND and which dissection may be superior, (3) who should undergo a PLND during prostatectomy, (4) the potential therapeutic benefits of performing PLND and (5) the complications of PLND.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
This review analyzes the anatomy of the prostate gland's lymphatic drainage, the optimal anatomic extend of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and which dissection may be superior, who should undergo a PLND during prostatectomy, and its potential therapeutic benefits and complications. The prostate gland's lymphatic drainage can be variable, but frequently metastatic disease is found in the internal iliac chain. We conclude that the extended PLND yields the most lymph nodes and therefore may be superior. Some have demonstrated an unproven survival benefit after performing an extended PLND, possibly from removal of occult disease or from more accurate staging.
Introduction
The role of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy has generated considerable debate. The central role of a PLND is to determine the locoregional extent of cancer, and to help evaluate the need for adjuvant therapy and the risk of progression and recurrence. Some believe that PLND is therapeutic and promotes a cancer-specific survival benefit.
This review aims to critically analyze: (1) the anatomy of the prostate gland's lymphatic drainage, (2) the anatomic boundaries of PLND and which dissection may be superior, (3) who should undergo a PLND during prostatectomy, (4) the potential therapeutic benefits of performing PLND and (5) the complications of PLND.
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