OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of the first 72 laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissections in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS Retrospective study of records. METHODS Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. METHODS A retrospective study of records provided data on 72 patients with prostate cancer staged by laparoscopic lymph node dissection in the period 1993-1997. Per- and postoperative complications, operation time, number of removed lymph nodes, pathology result and duration of hospital stay were assessed. A comparison was made between the first series of 36 patients and the second series. RESULTS In 9 patients the laparoscopic approach was converted to a laparotomy. This occurred six times in the first series of 36 patients and three times in the second series. The postoperative course was complicated six times in the first and four times in the second series. With increasing experience the mean operation time decreased from 140 min to 114 min in the second series (p < 0.0001). The mean number of nodes removed was equal in both series (7.5). Lymph node metastases were found in 20 patients (28%). Hospital stay was 2.9 days in the first series and 2.2 days in the second series (not significant). CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection is a minimally invasive method for staging patients with prostate cancer. This staging procedure is of great benefit in patients scheduled for treatment with curative intent because of its accuracy and low morbidity. With increasing experience operation time, hospital stay and number of complications decrease.