Volume 16, Number 4Review ArticlesExtent of Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection During Radical Cystectomy: Is Bigger Better?Management ReviewDebasish SundiRobert S SvatekMatthew E NielsenTrinity J BivalacquaPelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is a standard component of radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. The optimal anatomic PLND template remains undefined. An extended PLND template can potentially improve survival through the eradication of micrometastatic disease and improved pathologic staging. However, this benefit could be compromised by a potential increase in perioperative complications and cost. Two randomized controlled clinical trials that will clarify this question are ongoing. Many important retrospective studies have provided insights into the optimal PLND extent. Here the authors review the key evidence that informs how urologists may tailor the PLND template during RC depending on patient and tumor characteristics. [Rev Urol. 2014;16(4):159-166 doi: 10.3909/riu0626] © 2014 MedReviews®, LLCRadical cystectomyPelvic lymph node dissectionTemplateMicrometastatic disease