Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of stage i non-seminomatous germ cell tumors
Hernández Fernández, C.; Castaño González, I.; Escribano Patiño, G.; de Palacio España, A.
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia 53(6): 500-504
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0614 PMID: 11002518 Document Number: 520641
To review the role of laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor of the testis. The current literature on this subject is reviewed and the advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed. Although there is no agreement on the management of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis, some groups advocate performing retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy after orchidectomy, particularly for tumors with a high risk of dissemination. The laparoscopic approaches that were introduced basically in the 90's, have permitted performing surgical techniques with a low morbidity and a shorter recovery time. Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy is one such technique. According to the experience of several groups, this technique has an acceptable operating time (approximately 5 hours), low complication rate and short hospital stay (2-5 days according to the different series). For those with experience in performing the laparoscopic approach, it is a therapeutic alternative that should be considered for this type of testicular tumor.