During laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, tissue samples are collected from lymph nodes within the pelvis and abdomen. Lymph nodes are small structures within the body that work as filters for harmful substances. If cancer cells break away from a tumor, they may end up traveling through the lymph system to lymph nodes and spread cancer.
Doctors utilize the samples from the lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread and to help in the planning of any additional necessary treatment.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection can be completed by the expert surgeons at The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy as a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. This may typically result in less pain and time in the hospital for the patient.
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