Balancing risk and benefit of extended pelvic lymph node dissection in patients undergoing radical cystectomy

The optimal extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical cystectomy (RC) in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is the subject of ongoing debate. In this study, we compared local recurrence-free and overall survival, in addition to complication rates, after extended PLND (ePLND) compared to standard PLND (sPLND).

We reviewed the charts of 314 patients who underwent RC for UCB between 2008 and 2013. ePLND was performed in 105 patients, and 105 matched patients who underwent standard PLND (sPLND) were selected based on clinical parameters. Local recurrence-free and overall survival rates were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess potential determinants of these outcomes. Complications were assessed at 30 and 90 days using the Clavien-Dindo reporting system.

More lymph nodes were removed by ePLND (median 21) compared to sPLND (median 9; P < 0.001), but the rate of nodal involvement was not different. In multivariable analysis, ePLND was associated with a better local recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.63, P = 0.005), but was not an independent predictor of overall survival (HR = 1.06, P = 0.84). Estimated blood loss was greater with ePLND (1047.3 vs. 584.5 ml P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in complications.

Extended PLND appears to reduce the risk of local recurrence, but was not an independent predictor of overall survival in this cohort. ePLND was associated with greater blood loss compared to sPLND, but not with other perioperative complications.