[Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy--experimental operation using young pigs and clinical experience in 21 cases...

In order to gain the technical skills for performing laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy, we selected the young pigs (12-15 kg) as the experimental model. Five pigs (male 2, female 3) underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy under intravenous anesthesia. Postoperatively, the pigs were euthanized, and laparatomy was performed to demonstrate the area of dissection. Operation time was from 50 to 80 minutes, and no complication occurred in all cases, mastery came rapidly. Following experimental operation, 21 cases with prostate and/or bladder cancer underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for staging operation from Nov. 1991 to Oct. 1993. Operation time was from 60 to 310 minutes (mean 137). In one of 21 cases, lymph node metastasis was proved. Eighteen of 21 cases underwent radical prostatectomy or cystectomy between 6 to 24 days after laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy. On radical operation, the adhesion of the post-lymphadenectomy was severe in the patients 8 days after laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy, compared with those within 7 days. Radical operation was seemed to be recommended within 7 days after laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy.