Role of Lymphnode Dissection in Men With Prostate Cancer Treated With Radical Prostatectomy

The significance of lymph node dissection in radical prostatectomy has not been conclusively clarified. If a radical prostatectomy is planned, the question occurs if the additional pelvic lymph node dissection (LND) is justified and to what extent it should be performed (limited LND, standard LND or extended LND). On the one hand, the detection of lymph node metastases is associated with a significantly worse course of the tumor disease and requires immediate or delayed hormone-ablative therapy. On the other hand, the lymph node dissection is associated with risks (lymphoceles, thromboses, lymphedema), so that the indication in negative lymph node findings appears questionable. It must be weighed between the diagnostic advantage and the possibility of increased morbidity due to the lymphadenectomy. For localized intermediate risk prostate cancer (PSA\> 10 ng / ml - 20 ng / ml or Gleason score 7 or cT category 2b ), there are currently no recommendations for performing a lymph node dissection during prostatectomy.