Lymph nodes in "deep belly" & "back"

Does anyone here know if lymph nodes outside the pelvic region can be biopsied during the        da vinci procedure?  It sounds like the lymph nodes in question are near the spinal cord.  We go to local urologist tomorrow for e coli test, but not sure we will get to discuss it with him.  We are planning on going out of state for procedure and our consult is not until the day before surgery.  We would hate to get there and find out he can't reach these nodes.  Thanks Courtney 

---

Kurt & Courtney

I think they can, Courtney, but they usually don't unless they have reason to suspect a distant invasion. I am in the City of Hope tomorrow for my post-op pathology resilts, I will ask if he did biopsy any additional lymphs. My surgeon told me that the local lymphs were clean. Because he said that a "suspicious" tissue was left behind, I'll ask about additional lymphs and whether they were tested.

Tony

thanks tony. good luck tomorrow! Courtney

---

Kurt & Courtney