Lymph Node Sampling

Lymph nodes filter all fluid that is not contained in blood vessels, before it returns to the circulation. Lymph nodes are found all over the body and can become enlarged as a result of infection nearby e.g. enlarged lymph glands in the neck when you have a sore throat. Cancer can also spread to lymph glands. It is critical to know if this has happened to choose the correct treatment.

Patients who have a high risk of their prostate cancer spreading to the lymph glands (PSA >15 mcg/l or Gleason score >7) or those who have enlarged lymph glands on a body scan (usually only performed in higher-risk cases) need to have the lymph glands near the prostate ('pelvic') removed. They are relatively inaccessible by traditional surgery, requiring a large incision. The laparoscopic operation, which is both safe and effective [6], is performed through 4 x 10 mm cuts below the belt-line.

>> Click here for the Lymph Node Sampling information sheet

>> Click here for the Lymph Node Sampling video