The Utility of Diagnostic Laparoscopic Biopsy for Mesenteric and Retroperitoneal Lymph Nodes
Challenging differential diagnosis, Unusual setting of medical care
Masanori Sando, Masaki Terasaki, Yoshichika Okamoto, Kiyoshi Suzumura, Tomonori Tsuchiya
Department of Surgery, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka, Japan
Am J Case Rep 2017; 18:878-882
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.904444
Available online:
Published: 2017-08-10

BACKGROUND:
Ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of intra-abdominal lymph nodes is minimally invasive; however, percutaneous procedures are often difficult to perform because of the location and size of the lymph nodes. In many cases, this approach may result in insufficient specimens necessary to evaluate histopathology. In such cases, laparoscopic biopsy is useful to obtain adequate specimens, regardless of the location and size of the lymph nodes. Additionally, laparoscopic biopsy is an approach that can avoid the possible complications associated with a laparotomy.
CASE REPORT:
Between 2013 and 2016, a series of 11 patients underwent laparoscopic biopsy of mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. All patients received a definitive histopathological diagnosis via laparoscopic biopsy. The median postoperative hospital stay was four days (range 3–13 days), and all patients were able to resume oral intake on postoperative day 1. No case was converted to laparotomy, and no major perioperative complication occurred, except for wound infection in one patient.
CONCLUSIONS:
Diagnostic laparoscopic biopsy for mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes is safe and reliable.
Keywords: Biopsy, Laparoscopy, Lymph Nodes, Lymphoma