Merits of Performing a Modified Template Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

The primary objective is to show that performing a lymph node dissection may detect occult nodal metastasis in this patient population whereby providing important diagnostic information, with potential therapeutic benefits in patients with isolated nodal metastases. In case of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (a cancer originating from the inner lining of the urinary tract) requiring the removal of the kidney, ureter, and cuff of bladder (a surgical termed a nephroureterectomy). Previous studies in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, have shown that doing a lymph node dissection (surgically removing the lymph nodes) may improve survival, or at least give an idea of what patients may need chemotherapy (drugs to control the cancer cells that are outside the kidney-ureter) earlier (before the nodes are enlarged in the imaging studies).