Nerve-sparing retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy using hydro-jet dissection: initial experience.

Background And Purpose: Nerve-sparing retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPL) is performed in a significant number of patients to preserve ejaculation after treatment for testicular cancer. Identification and preservation of the sympathetic nerves may be challenging. Hydro-Jet technology has been utilized for various surgical applications. A small high-pressure stream of water is used to delineate surgical planes, with preservation of vascular and neural structures. We have examined the utility of this technology for RPL in a porcine model and in human subjects.

Materials And Method: A Helix Hydro-Jet device (Erbe, USA) was used for all procedures. A high-pressure water-jet stream is directed through a small nozzle with a 120-microm inner radius for soft-tissue dissection. The upper pressure limit (range 0-2175 psi) is set using a digital monitor. The jet is initiated using a foot pedal, and the actual pressure is monitored. A pressure of 360 to 400 psi was used for experimental studies, which was decreased to 255 to 300 psi for human use. Three pigs underwent RPL using this technique. Subsequently, RPL was performed in five men with testicular cancer, being primary in two and postchemotherapy in three. The primary diagnosis was seminoma in one and non-seminomatous cancer in four. The patient with seminoma had a residual mass after chemotherapy.

Results: The procedures were completed successfully in all subjects. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Hydro-Jet dissection permitted tissue selectivity, with preservation of vascular structures and sympathetic nerves. The soft tissue and lymphatics were removed with the high-pressure water stream assisted by blunt dissection. The nerve fibers were grossly resistant to the pressure used and were isolated individually. Dissection around the great vessels appeared to be safe, and no injury was observed with direct application of the jet. Lumbar arteries and veins and accessory vessels could be isolated safely. The estimated blood loss was minimal in animals and 300 to 800 mL in humans.

Conclusions: Hydro-Jet dissection demonstrated tissue selectivity using a pressure range of 255 to 300 psi in humans. The vascular structures and sympathetic nerves were preserved. Our initial experience with this device for nerve-sparing RPL is encouraging.