Department of Urologic Surgery

In those patients with prostate cancer or testicular cancer it may be important to determine of there has been any spread of the cancer to lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen or pelvis.  This lymph node sampling can be performed laparoscopically using four, 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch incisions, through which a telescope and dissecting instruments are inserted to perform the dissection and removal of some of the lymph node tissue.  This tissue is then sent to the pathologist who will look at it under the microscope for any cancer cells.  If cancer cells are present, this will determine whether additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, will be recommended to the patient for treatment of their cancer.

This surgery is usually performed as an overnight stay procedure.  Most patients can return to all of their regular activities within 1-2 weeks of their operation.