Laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) approach for pelvic and iliac lymph node biopsy: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The surgical approach to sampling lymph nodes in the pelvic and iliac regions is determined by the lymph node's anatomical location and available surgical expertise. The aim of this study is to describe our centre's experience with the laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) approach for the suprainguinal lymph node biopsy. METHODS: A cohort of 16 patients with pelvic and iliac lymphadenopathy was retrospectively evaluated in this study. Patients' demographics and surgical outcomes were extracted, and analysis was performed. All patients underwent the laparoscopic TEP approach. RESULTS: In our series, 16 patients underwent laparoscopic TEP biopsy, 9 of which were incisional biopsies. A definitive diagnosis from the excised tissue was achieved in 94% of patients. One patient developed a self-limiting hematoma and no delayed complications were noted on clinical follow-ups. Median operative time was 51.5 min (IQR 45.5-59.0) with a median hospital stay of 1 day. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic TEP approach is a feasible and safe approach when chosen for biopsy of suprainguinal lymphadenopathies.