The Value of Computerized Tomography in Evaluation of Pelvic Lymph Nodes

Abstract

To assess the accuracy of computerized tomography in the preoperative detection of pelvic lymph node enlargement, 23 patients with potentially resectable cancer of the prostate were evaluated prospectively. Subsequent staging pelvic lymphadenectomy revealed falsely negative studies in 7 patients and a falsely positive study in 1. The inaccuracy of computerized tomography speaks against its use as a preoperative staging modality and confirms the value of pelvic lymphadenectomy as a means of detecting pelvic lymph node enlargment in patients with prostate cancer.