Lymph Node Dissection

Robotically-Assisted Surgery for Removing Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small masses of tissue that filter foreign substances from the blood and produce white blood cells to fight infections. They are distributed throughout the body, particularly in the neck, armpit and groin. Lymph nodes can become swollen from infection or cancer.

If cancer is suspected, the lymph nodes from the suspected area might need to be removed and examined in a procedure called lymph node dissection. This type of surgery has traditionally been performed through a long incision, but if your doctor recommends the procedure, you might be a candidate for minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Robotic lymph node dissection allows the procedure to be performed through a few small incisions. The robotic surgical system used at Scripps provides the surgeon with numerous technical advantages, including improved ergonomics, better instrumentation and enhanced visualization of the operating field. Patient benefits may include less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, fewer scars and a faster recovery.