Different lymph node dissection ranges during radical prostatectomy for patients with prostate cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of limited, standard, extended, and super-extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) following radical prostatectomy. METHODS: This study followed the PRISMA 2020 statement. Clinical trials were searched from three electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase from the database’s inception to April 5, 2022. The lymph node-positive rate, biochemical recurrence-free rate, lymphocele rate, thromboembolic rate, and overall complication rate were compared by meta-analysis. Data analyses were performed using R software based on the Bayesian framework. RESULTS: Sixteen studies involving 15,269 patients were included. All 16 studies compared the lymph node-positive rate; 5 studies compared the biochemical recurrence-free rate; 10 studies compared the lymphocele rate; 6 studies compared the thromboembolic rate, and 9 studies compared the overall complication rate. According to Bayesian analysis, the lymph node-positive rate, lymphocele rate, and overall complication rate were significantly associated with the extension of the PLND range. The limited, extended, and super-extended PLND templates showed a similar but lower biochemical recurrence-free rate and a higher thromboembolic rate than the standard template. CONCLUSIONS: The extension of the PLND range is associated with an elevated lymph node-positive rate; however, it does not improve the biochemical recurrence-free rate and correlates with an increased risk of complications, especially lymphocele. The selection of the PLND range in clinical practice should consider the oncological risk and adverse effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42022301759). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-023-02932-y.