About Iliac Lymph Node Dissection
Key Highlights
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Provides accurate cancer staging by examining lymph nodes for metastasis.Can be therapeutic, removing cancerous nodes to potentially improve survival rates.Helps guide post-operative treatment plans, such as the need for chemotherapy.Often performed with minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic/robotic) for reduced recovery time.Integral part of curative surgery for urological cancers like bladder and penile cancer.
Who is this surgery for?
- Staging and treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer, typically during radical cystectomy.
- Management of locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer with suspected nodal involvement.
- Treatment of penile cancer with inguinal lymph node metastasis that has spread to the pelvic (iliac) nodes.
- Staging for testicular cancers (non-seminoma) with evidence of retroperitoneal spread moving into the pelvis.
- As part of a pelvic exenteration for recurrent or advanced pelvic malignancies.
- To obtain a tissue diagnosis when imaging suggests isolated iliac lymph node enlargement of unknown origin.
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray.
- Imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis to map the lymph nodes.
- Discussion of anesthesia risks and type (general anesthesia is standard).
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery as instructed.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the urologist.
- Bowel preparation may be required to empty the intestines for better surgical access.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (intraoperative or postoperative) and potential need for blood transfusion.
- Infection at the incision site or within the pelvis.
- Injury to nearby structures such as blood vessels, nerves, ureters, or intestines.
- Development of a lymphocele (a fluid collection) in the surgical area.
- Lower limb lymphedema (swelling) due to disruption of normal lymph drainage.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism from reduced mobility.
- Anesthesia-related risks, including allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
- Chronic pain or numbness in the thigh or groin area from nerve involvement.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is required for monitoring, pain management, and initial mobilization.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; a urinary catheter may be in place temporarily.
- Early walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots and aid recovery.
- Incision care instructions will be provided, including keeping the area clean and dry.
- Diet will be advanced gradually from liquids to solid foods as bowel function returns.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and driving for the period specified by the surgeon (typically 4-6 weeks).
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, review pathology results, and discuss any adjuvant therapy.
- Watch for signs of complications like fever, increased pain, redness/swelling at incision, or leg swelling and report them immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering iliac lymph node dissection in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for iliac lymph node dissection in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform iliac lymph node dissection. MediFyr helps you compare urologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for iliac lymph node dissection compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Iliac Lymph Node Dissection in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated urology teams and experience managing patients undergoing iliac lymph node dissection.
Ananya Saxena, a 56-year-old high school...
Ananya Saxena, a 56-year-old high school biology teacher and avid gardener, first noticed a persistent, dull ache in her lower abdomen six months ago. A lifelong non-smoker, she was shocked when a CT scan for what she thought was a stubborn UTI revealed a small tumor in her bladder. After a transurethral resection confirmed muscle-invasive bladder cancer, her urologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that the cancer had a high risk of spreading. He recommended a radical cystectomy with an iliac lymph node dissection, stating, 'Removing these lymph nodes gives us the best chance to see if the cancer has traveled and to remove it if it has.' Ananya was terrified of the major surgery and the resulting urostomy, mourning the loss of her bodily autonomy. The surgery was long, but successful. The pathology showed cancer in one lymph node, confirming the necessity of the procedure. Her recovery in the hospital was painful and humbling, learning to care for her new stoma. At her three-month follow-up, though still adapting to her new normal, she was declared cancer-free and cleared to start adjuvant immunotherapy. Emotionally, she moved from profound fear and grief to a hard-won resilience. She now sees her stoma not as a defeat, but as a life-saving tool, and has started a small support blog for women undergoing similar surgeries.
Urologists for Iliac Lymph Node Dissection
Explore experienced urologists who regularly perform iliac lymph node dissection and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 26 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore