Lymph node dissection

The lymph nodes are the first drainage relay of the organs: in oncology, their analysis provides precise information about the spread of the disease, and their removal contributes to the local control of the cancer. Lymph node dissection consists of surgically removing the group of nodes draining the tumour: the armpit for the breast, the pelvis for gynaecological and urological cancers, the neck for the thyroid, and the corresponding relays for digestive cancers. The dissection is most often performed during the same operation as the removal of the tumour. Its extent is defined according to precise rules, and in certain locations the sentinel lymph node technique makes it possible to limit the procedure when the first relays are free of disease. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, lymph node dissections are performed by surgeons experienced in each specialty concerned. All the removed nodes undergo pathological analysis, and the results, presented at the multidisciplinary team meeting, guide any additional treatments.