The emerging role of lymphadenectomy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Within the last decade, there has been an increased focus on lymphadenectomy or lymph node dissection (LND) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Although the data with regards to LND in UTUC are sparse, investigators are beginning to evaluate the role and define the anatomy to understand how LND may affect outcomes in patients with UTUC. This article reviews the history of LND for UTUC, outlines the relative anatomy, and evaluates the arguments and evidence for, and against, LND in patients with UTUC.