lymphadenectomy
Pronunciation: lim-fad-uh-NEK-tuh-mee
Surgical removal of lymph nodes, performed for staging purposes or treatment of cancer spread to regional lymphatics.
Full Definition
Lymphadenectomy is the surgical excision of lymph nodes, representing a critical component of cancer surgery for both staging and therapeutic purposes. The procedure may be selective (targeting specific nodal groups) or comprehensive (removing all nodes within a defined anatomical region). In surgical oncology, lymphadenectomy provides essential pathological staging information that influences adjuvant treatment decisions and prognosis. The extent of lymph node dissection varies by tumor type and location, with standardized templates defining minimal nodal harvest requirements for adequate staging. Complications may include lymphedema, nerve injury, and increased operative time.
Usage
Usage note: Specify anatomical region (e.g., pelvic lymphadenectomy, axillary lymphadenectomy) for precision.
In Context
- "Extended pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed yielding 18 nodes, all negative for metastatic disease." — Operative report
- "The pathology report confirmed that adequate lymphadenectomy was achieved with examination of 15 lymph nodes." — Pathology report