[The significance of pelvic lymph-node status in prostatic cancer]

The formation of metastases of carcinoma of the prostate has become more significant since the introduction of en-bloc pelvic lymphadenectomy using the serial-cut method. Lymphogenous evacuation of the pelvis occurs increasingly with advanced and dedifferentiated primary tumours. However, it can be found with low categories of tumours and differentiated carcinomas. pLA is superior to all other procedures for N-determination. If suitably indicated it allows a localized tumour process to be confirmed. Lymphatic oedemas are the most frequent complications. These can be largely avoided by retention of lacunary lymph nodes or primary fitting of lympho-nodo-venous anastomoses.