Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

OBJECTIVES Primary objective of the present article is to evaluate the surgical efficiency of the laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in clinical stage I and II testis tumor. Secundary, objective is the description of the technique used by the author. METHODS A description of the author's experience and review of the literature in terms of feasibility, oncological results and quality of life. RESULTS Once the learning curve has been overcome, the operative time is in the range of that open surgery with lower morbidity and complications. Ejaculation can be preserved in virtually all patients by means of a template dissection. With a mean follow-up of almost four years oncologic long-term outcome is not compromised by the laparoscopic approach. CONCLUSIONS In clinical stage I testis tumor laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection can be used as a diagnostic measure with the same long term results as the open procedure. In stage II disease removal of residual tumor can also be achieved by laparoscopy.