Lymph Node Dissection in Testicular Cancer: Indications and Techniques

Abstract

Summary This chapter gives a comprehensive overview on the current landscape of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in testicular cancers: seminoma, nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, and rarer sex cord stromal tumors. The indications for RPLND in the primary and salvage settings, open and minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic and robotic) approaches, nerve-sparing techniques, complications, and recommended follow-up are discussed. 1. Indications for RPLND. 2. Boundaries of RPLND dissection. 3. Approaches for RPLND-open and minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic. 4. Minimizing RPLND toxicity – templates and nerve sparing. 5. RPLND complications: Intraoperative and postoperative. 6. How long should we follow-up patients post-RPLND?