The “peritoneal scaffold” technique of extended pelvic lymph node dissection during radical prostatectomy: A novel technique

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a frequently used approach for localized carcinoma prostate. For intermediate and high-risk cancers, extended pelvic lymph node dissection (e-PLND), is often performed. Conventional e-PLND involves piecemeal retrieval of lymphatic tissue. We describe a novel technique of laparoscopic e-PLND, which involves en-masse removal of pelvic lymph nodes from each side, based on an overlying peritoneal scaffold. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen cases of intermediate and high-risk carcinoma prostate underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) with peritoneal scaffold based e-PLND within a period of 1 year. We describe the surgical techqniue and outcomes in terms of operative time and lymph nodes retrieved. RESULTS: The mean operating times for “peritoneal scaffold” lymphatic dissection was 48 min (38–64). The total number of lymph nodes retrieved was 18 (14–22). There were no cases with postoperative lymph collection or hematoma. CONCLUSION: The “peritoneal scaffold” technique of e-PLND is a novel technique, which involves having a peritoneal scaffold to bind and hold all the lymphatic tissues together in its anatomical orientation during dissection. This enables complete retrieval of specimen during LRP and RALP.