Purpose: We investigated the effect of lower extremity joint prostheses on subsequent laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection.
Materials and methods: We reviewed the records and pathology studies of 5 patients who underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection subsequent to total hip or knee replacement from 1990 through 1995.
Results: Four of the 5 laparoscopic operations were complicated, 3 were unsuccessful in obtaining bilateral pelvic lymph nodes and 2 required conversion to an open procedure. Examination of the lymph nodes revealed sinus histiocytosis in the 4 cases in which nodal tissue was removed.
Conclusions: The increased risk of complications in certain patients with lower extremity joint prostheses may contraindicate attempted laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection.