Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection (PLND) Melbourne

Pelvic Lymph node dissection (PLND) is the surgical removal of one or more lymph nodes. It is almost always performed as part of surgical management of prostate or bladder cancer. PLND helps evaluate the need for adjuvant therapy and the risk of cancer progression and recurrence. PLND is performed under general anaesthesia. You will be in hospital for approximately 3 days.

Before surgery

• Ensure your hospital paperwork is completed and sent to the hospital at least 7 days before surgery.
• Ensure you have all your tests completed 4-7 days before surgery. These include bloods, ECG and urine test.
• Once admitted, you will be issued with anti-embolic stockings (compression stockings). You are required to wear these throughout your admission.
• If you are a Diabetic, please speak to the Practice Nurse at your earliest convenience.
• If you are on any blood thinning medications, then please alert the nurse at your earliest convenience.
• Please inform staff if you have any allergies.

Following discharge

• You are to return to the rooms for a wound check 1 week following your procedure. If this appointment has not been made for you then please call the rooms.
• You are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 2 weeks. Gentle walking every day is advisable.
• You may develop swelling in the legs or lower abdomen. The usually resolves in time. Please call the rooms if this is a concern for you or if the swelling does not resolve.
• You may develop numbness around the inguinal area. This does resolve in time. Please call the rooms if this persists for more than 4 weeks.
• Your histopathology results may not be available before discharge. You surgeon will call and discuss the results with you.

Please call the rooms if you experience any of the following:

• Fever/chills
• Red, inflamed and discharge from wound (s)
• Lower abdominal and leg swelling not resolved with 4-6 weeks