Retroperitoneoscopic para-aortic lymph node sampling in bladder rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract

Determining lymph node involvement is an important step in the pre-treatment evaluation of non-metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma. We describe retroperitoneoscopy for para-aortic lymph node biopsy in a 4-year-old boy with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder with pelvic and para-aortic lymph node enlargement on magnetic resonance imaging. This technique affords access to the para-aortic region with minimal dissection, permitting quick recovery and early commencement of chemotherapy.