Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection to Stage GYN Cancer

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is a minimally invasive, advanced surgical procedure that is used to stage cancer. Staging is the process of discovering the extent to which cancer has spread in the body at the time of diagnosis. The information determined during staging will be used to guide the planning of possible additional surgeries and/or treatments.

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.

Women who have been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer such as ovarian or cervical cancer may be candidates for laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.  Our surgeons at The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy evaluate and review the available surgical options together with their patients so patients are able to make informed and educated decisions about their health care.