Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy combined with inguinal herniorrhaphy

Laparoscopic surgical interventions are being widely applied for a variety of procedures that have been traditionally managed through open surgical approaches. Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy is used as a staging tool for prostate cancer, and the laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias is becoming commonplace. We report on a case of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair combined with lymphadenectomy in a patient who was to undergo definitive radiation therapy for localized carcinoma of the prostate. Urologic surgeons should be familiar with the anatomic considerations and laparoscopic approaches associated with inguinal hernias because the presence of an inguinal hernia may alter the approach to procedures such as laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy.