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The current status of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors

Nature Clinical Practice Urology volume 2, pages 330–335 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

An appropriately performed retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is both a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure in the management of non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors. In an attempt to minimize the morbidity associated with an open RPLND, several investigators have evaluated the role of laparoscopic RPLND. Laparoscopic RPLND is technically feasible in the hands of dedicated experts, and results in a reduced hospital stay, operative blood loss, and post-operative morbidity compared to open RPLND. Currently, however, none of the reports in the literature have adequately evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic RPLND, as the vast majority of patients are treated with adjuvant chemotherapy regardless of the risk of systemic relapse. Future prospective internal review board-approved trials need to be developed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic RPLND, with careful observation of patients with pathologic low-volume nodal disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology,

    Brett S Carver & Joel Sheinfeld

  2. Department of Urology, at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, New York

    Brett S Carver & Joel Sheinfeld

Authors
  1. Brett S Carver
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  2. Joel Sheinfeld
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Correspondence to Joel Sheinfeld.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Glossary

PRIMARY LANDING SITE

Location in the body that a primary tumor is most likely to first metastasize to

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Carver, B., Sheinfeld, J. The current status of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors. Nat Rev Urol 2, 330–335 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpuro0226

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