Minimally Invasive Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy: Current Status

Abstract

Although the standard approach of retroperitoneal lymphadnectomy (RLA) is open surgery, laparoscopy is an emerging technique in urology and reports of laparoscopic RLA are increasing. This article presents the indications, technique, and outcome of RLA as primary treatment and post-cisplatin-based chemotherapy by means of laparoscopy. In expert hands RLA is minimally invasive and reduces morbidity in comparison with open surgery, with the same oncologic outcome. However, patient selection is crucial.

Keywords: Dissection; Laparoscopy; Lymph node; RPLND; Retroperitoneal; Testicular cancer.