Midline Extraperitoneal Approach to Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in Testicular Cancer: Minimizing Surgical Morbidity.

Background: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is an important component of the management of testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) but carries significant surgical morbidity.

Objective: To describe our experience with a midline extraperitoneal (EP) approach to RPLND for seminomatous and nonseminomatous GCT.

Design, Setting, And Participants: From 2010 to 2015, 122 consecutive patients underwent RPLND from a prospective database. Patients requiring aortic resection or retrocrural dissection or with intraperitoneal disease were excluded. The remaining 69 patients underwent midline EP-RPLND.

Surgical Procedure: Open midline EP-RPLND was performed using a standardized technique.

Outcome Measurements And Statistical Analysis: Perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. A descriptive analysis using SAS software was performed.

Results And Limitations: A total of 68 patients underwent midline EP-RPLND successfully (98.6%). The median age was 28 yr (range 17-55). On preoperative imaging the size of the retroperitoneal mass or lymphadenopathy was <2cm in 29 patients, 2-4.9cm in 15 patients, and >5cm in 24 patients, of which 19 were >10cm. The median estimated blood loss was 325ml (interquartile range [IQR] 200-612.5). The median number of lymph nodes resected was 36 (IQR 24.5-49); the median number of positive nodes was one (IQR 0-4). The median time for return of bowel function was 2 d (IQR 1-2) and hospital stay 3 d (IQR 3-4). There were no cases of ileus. Eleven patients had 12 (17.6%) 90-d complications. Of these, six (55%) were Clavien grade 1, five (45%) were grade 2, and one was grade 3b (1.5%). Antegrade ejaculation rates were 91.6% in the primary group and 96.8% in the post-chemotherapy group.

Conclusions: Midline EP-RPLND can be performed safely without compromising the completeness of the resection. This approach is associated with rapid return of bowel function, minimal rates of ileus, and short hospital stay.

Patient Summary: A midline extraperitoneal approach for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in testicular cancer is safe and effective and leads to faster return of bowel function and earlier discharge.