Newly developed histological tray for the application of identifying exact lymph node dissections in uro-logical surgical oncology

Abstract

In any urologic cancer surgery, lymph node dissection and its processing play a significant role in staging and management of the patients. Accordingly, precise handling of the dissected lymph nodes is important for histopathological work-up. The authors have developed a lymph node plastic tray shaping the abdomen and pelvis in which the dissected lymph nodes are placed in its determined location. This can be applied for any urologic cancer surgery. The research was designed to test the usage of a new histological tray. The objective was to assess how helpful it was for the surgical team and in the pathological process. The newly developed lymph node tray has been applied in 150 urological cancer surgeries and its efficacy and outcome have been evaluated in all these cases by involved doctors and assistants. This new tray simplifies lymph node removing and identification (staging), making it safer and quicker in any uro-oncological surgery. It facilitates the work of the pathologist and the flow of reliable information along the surgeon-pathologist-oncologist team. With usage of the tray, lymph node dissections are more structured by methodical means compared to any of the present methods.