Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Murine Mesenteric Lymphadenectomy for Selective Disruption of Lymphatic Communication with Region-Specific Gut
Published on: December 30, 2025
Efficacy of laparoscopic mesenteric/retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy
Lewis Diulus1, Sricharan Chalikonda, Tracy Pitt
1Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/A80, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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.
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic lymph node biopsy is a safe effective alternative to open surgical biopsy.
