[Transperitoneal laparoscopic modified lymph node dissection for clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and short-term clinical effect of transperitoneal laparoscopic modified retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LmRPLND) in the management of clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors.


METHODS
From October 2004 to July 2006, 7 patients aged 26-36 (mean 30) years underwent LmRPLND with modified unilateral template dissection for clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors, which were 3.0 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.0 cm to 6.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 3.0 cm in size, 3 cases on the left and 4 on the right, all diagnosed by ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and chest X-ray and confirmed by biopsy following radical orchiectomy. Those with positive lymph nodes received 3 courses of chemotherapy.


RESULTS
Success was achieved in all the 7 cases, the operative time ranging from 120 to 210 min (mean 160 min), blood loss from 50 to 200 ml (mean 150 ml), and with no blood transfusion. The drainage tubes were removed 1-2 days after surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 days. The follow-up lasted 6-32 (mean 14) months, which revealed normal erection and ejaculation in all the patients, but no major postoperative complications. Pathologically, lymph nodes were negative in 6 cases and positive (1/18) in 1. Normal results were obtained in HCG and AFP tests as well as in retroperitoneal ultrasound and chest X-ray examinations. The patient with positive lymph nodes was treated by adjuvant chemotherapy for 3 courses and found free of malignancy during a 6-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
LmRPLND is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for patients with clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular carcinoma. With fewer complications and faster recovery, it appears to be a desirable substitute for the open procedure.
Wu
Hai-Yang
HY
Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China. why11678@sina.com
Zhang
Da-Hong
DH
Li
Xin-De
XD
Ding
Guo-Qing
GQ
Chen
Yue-Bing
YB
D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome