Laparoscopic obturator lymph node dissection in patients with prostatic cancer

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Locally confined prostate cancer often requires lymph node dissection for staging and treatment.
• Traditional open surgery for obturator lymph node dissection can involve significant patient recovery time.
• Evaluating minimally invasive alternatives is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the results of laparoscopic obturator lymph node dissection in prostate cancer patients.
• To compare the outcomes of the laparoscopic technique with traditional open surgery.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive lymph node dissection.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 33 patients undergoing laparoscopic obturator lymph node dissection.
• Comparison of hospitalization time, operation time, and postoperative recovery between laparoscopic and open surgery.
• Assessment of lymph node yield and detection of metastases.

Main Results:

• Hospitalization reduced by 50% (3 days) with laparoscopy versus open surgery.
• Operation time increased by approximately 40 minutes for the laparoscopic approach.
• No serious complications were observed; recovery was fast and uneventful.
• Obturator lymph node metastases detected in 15% of laparoscopic cases.
• Slightly lower lymph node yield compared to open surgery.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic obturator lymph node dissection is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for prostate cancer.
• The technique significantly reduces hospitalization time and promotes rapid postoperative recovery.
• While operation time is longer, the benefits of reduced hospital stay and complication rates are notable.