Practice change: No benefit of extended lymphadenectomy at radical cystectomy in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer

For many decades, extended pelvic lymph node dissection has been an integral part during radical cystectomy for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. This practice was based on large retrospective meta-analyses suggesting an oncologic benefit to an extended dissection. This mini review and metaanalysis includes the two available randomized trials in the current literature. Therefore, it can be considered as the strongest level of evidence regarding the prognostic benefit of an extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. Based on current randomized data, standard pelvic lymph node dissection up to the level of iliac bifurcation is sufficient, and extension of the dissection above this level does not provide any additional oncologic benefit.

Automated summary

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection has been a standard practice during radical cystectomy for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, based on recent studies, standard pelvic lymph node dissection up to the level of iliac bifurcation is sufficient and there is no additional oncologic benefit from extending the dissection above this level.