Extraperitoneal laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy for nonseminomatous testicular germ-cell tumor: surgical and oncological outcomes

Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection After Chemotherapy for Nonseminomatous Testicular Germ-Cell Tumor at a Single Center

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the perioperative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) procedures for post-chemotherapy patients with nonseminomatous testicular germ-cell tumor at a single center.

METHODS

This study included patients with nonseminomatous testicular cancer who underwent RPLND after chemotherapy at the Kyushu University Hospital between 2016 and 2024. The preoperative clinicopathological characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and oncological outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients underwent laparoscopic RPLND. Median maximum retroperitoneal tumor size at post-chemotherapy before RPLND was 11 mm (range, 2-30 mm). RPLND template was one side and both sides in nine and four patients. Median operative time was 272 min (range, 129-490 min), and median estimated blood loss was 27 mL (range, 0-100 mL). Median time from operation to discharge was 8 days (range, 5-15 days). There was no severe perioperative and postoperative complication. Residual cancer and teratoma were detected in one and seven patients. During median follow-up of 18.6 months (range, 1.0-95.7 months), no case presented recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic RPLND presented safety in perioperative outcomes and favorable oncological outcomes. Thus, it was confirmed that laparoscopic RPLND is a feasible minimally invasive procedure for selected cases.

Unilateral Post-Chemotherapy Robot-Assisted Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Stage II Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: Sexual and Reproductive Outcomes

We aimed to report sexual and reproductive outcomes following post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal unilateral lymph node dissection (PC-rRPLND) for non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) at a high-volume cancer center. We collected records regarding sexual and reproductive outcomes of patients undergoing unilateral PC-rRPLND for stage II NSGCTs from January 2018 to November 2021. Preoperative and postoperative (at 12 months) ejaculatory function as well as erectile function, based on the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Erection Hardness Score (EHS), were assessed. Only patients with a pre-operative IIEF-5 of ≥22 and EHS of ≥3 were included in this analysis. Overall, 22 patients undergoing unilateral PC-rRPLND met the inclusion criteria. Of these, seven (31.8%) patients presented an andrological disorder of any type after PC-rRPLND. Specifically, retrograde ejaculation was present in three (13.6%) patients and hypospermia was present in one (4.5%) patient. Moreover, three (13.6%) patients yielded erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 < 22 and/or EHS < 3). Lastly, two (9.1%) succeeded in naturally conceiving a child after PC-rRPLND. Retrograde ejaculation is confirmed to be one of the most common complications of PC-rRPLND. Moreover, a non-negligible number of patients experience erectile dysfunction.

A case of testicular cancer with retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis of teratoma with somatic-type malignancy 18 years after initial treatment

Introduction

In testicular cancer, late relapse of teratoma with somatic-type malignancy is rare and associated with a poor survival. A case of retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis of teratoma with somatic-type malignancy 18 years after initial treatment for testicular cancer is reported.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old man had a 15-mm-sized mass in the para-aortic region 18 years after initial treatment for testicular cancer, without elevated serum alfa-fetoprotein or human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological findings showed teratoma with somatic-type malignancy, and the findings of primary testicular cancer reported a yolk sac tumor, not teratoma.

Conclusion

Late relapse of teratoma with somatic-type malignancy was resected by laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Therefore, long-term follow-up should be considered if patients with small retroperitoneal masses did not undergo retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, and early detection and surgical resection for relapse might be effective.

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection in metastatic nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors

OBJECTIVES

To support laparoscopic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection (L-PC-RPLND) as a potential new standard, we report on a large dataset of patients systematically undergoing L-PC-RPLND.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with unilateral residual mass (≥1 cm), normalized markers, limited encasement (<30%) of gross retroperitoneal vessels underwent unilateral L-PC-RPLND with no adjuvant chemotherapy. Surgical performances, histology, hospital stay, complications within 30 days and follow-up visits were recorded. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

Between February 2011 and January 2021, 151 consecutive patients underwent L-PC-RPLND. Median size of the residual mass was 25 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 20-35 mm). Overall median operative time was 208 min (IQR 177-241) and was 51 min longer (p-value <0.001) for right L-PC-RPLNDs. Eleven procedures were converted to open surgery. Median number of removed and positive nodes was 11 (IQR 8-16) and 1 (IQR 1-2), respectively. Mean hospital stay was 2 days (IQR 2-3). Nine complications (6%) occurred: two were Clavien-Dindo grade III. Definitive pathology revealed post-pubertal teratoma in 65.6%, fibro-necrotic tissue in 23.8%, teratoma with malignant somatic component in 6.6% and viable tumour in 4.0% patients. In multivariable linear regression models, fibro-necrotic tissue (32 min, CI 8.5-55.5; p < 0.01) and residual volume (1.05 min, CI 0.24-1.85; p < 0.01) achieved independent predictor status for longer operative time. All patients, but one, are alive and disease-free after a median follow-up of 22 months (IQR 10, 48).

CONCLUSION

L-PC-RPLND, when adequately planned, is safe and effective for most patients with low to medium volume residual masses.

Oncological outcome and complications of post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal surgery in non-seminomatous germ cell tumours - a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Post-chemotherapy surgery constitutes an integral part of the management of patients with non-seminomatous germ-cell tumours with a residual mass in the retroperitoneum. Published data on recurrence rates and complications to bilateral retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), unilateral template RPLND, and resection of residual mass only according to different surgical techniques (open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery) were reviewed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane databases were searched systematically. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

In total, 28 studies were included. Eight studies reported on open surgery with the bilateral template, seven on the unilateral template, and three on resection of mass only. Median follow-up was 39, 39, and 70 months, respectively. Recurrences were found in 11, 12, and 14%, respectively. Major complications (Clavien-Dindo III or more) were observed in 18, 8, and 17%, respectively. Two studies reported on laparoscopic bilateral surgery, eight on unilateral, and two on residual mass only. A total of Median follow-up was 52, 29, and 55 months, respectively. Recurrences were found in 0, 1, and 9%, respectively. Major complications were not documented for bilateral but were observed in 4% for unilateral and 0% for resection of tumour only. Four studies on robotic bilateral surgery, three on unilateral and two on resection of tumour only were included. Follow-up was 18, 35, and 30 months, respectively. Recurrences were found in 0, 0, and 2%, respectively. Major complications were observed in 0, 10. and 2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

When patient selection is made, recurrence rates for the open unilateral template are comparable to the bilateral template. The risk of complications is highest after an open bilateral template. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery should not be used as a standard procedure. More studies are required with larger patient populations and longer follow-up.

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection versus open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer: A comparison of clinical and perioperative outcomes

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the clinical and perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) and open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (O-RPLND) performed by one surgeon at a single center.

Methods

We evaluated 30 patients with stage IIA germ cell tumors who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (15 underwent L-RPLND and 15 underwent O-RPLND) at our institution between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2018. The clinical parameters were compared between patients who underwent L-RPLND using the retroperitoneal approach and those who underwent O-RPLND using the transperitoneal approach. There were no significant differences in the background characteristics of the two groups except for the median follow-up duration (46 months for L-RPLND and 71 months for O-RPLND, p=0.02).

Results

L-RPLND was associated with a shorter mean operative time (mean 222 min for L-RPLND vs. 453 min for O-RPLND, p<0.001). There was significantly less blood loss during surgery in the L-RPLND group compared to the O-RPLND group (mean 165 mL for L-RPLND vs. 403 mL for O-RPLND, p<0.001). Parameters related to postoperative recovery were significantly better for the L-RPLND group than for the O-RPLND group. There were no differences in the histopathological characteristics between the two groups. No patients in either group exhibited disease recurrence.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent L-RPLND had more rapid recovery, and shorter hospital stay compared to those who underwent O-RPLND; complications were comparable between the two groups. L-RPLND is an efficient procedure with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Impact of cancer therapy on post-treatment ejaculation disorder and sexual life in testicular cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of cancer therapy on post-treatment ejaculation in patients with testicular cancer.

METHODS

A total of 74 testicular cancer survivors provided completed International Index of Erectile Function-15 questionnaires before and after treatment between 2010 and 2017. Sexual function, particularly ejaculatory function, was evaluated before and after treatment. In this study, patients who answered "1 = almost never/never" or "2 = a few times" for questionnaire number 9 (ejaculation frequency) were defined as having "ejaculation disorder."

RESULTS

Of 74 testicular cancer survivors, 50 (68%) had no ejaculation disorders before treatment. Four (44%) of nine survivors, who received chemotherapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, developed ejaculation disorders after treatment. On multivariate analysis, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was a significant predictor of post-treatment ejaculation disorder (P = 0.042). Of 60 survivors with evaluable ejaculation function after treatment, 24 (40%) did not attempt sexual intercourse, and multivariate analysis showed ejaculation disorder had a significant negative impact on having sexual intercourse (P = 0.035). Furthermore, the mean International Index of Erectile Function-15 scores in the groups with and without ejaculation disorders after treatment were 24.0 and 51.9, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Ejaculation disorders occur at high rate after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Many testicular cancer survivors reporting no sexual intercourse have ejaculation disorders, suggesting an adverse impact on sexual life. Urologists should provide proper counselling regarding the risk of ejaculation disorder and its possible impact on sexual life.

Clinical outcome of post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumour: A systematic review

Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) is an important element of the management of patients with residual tumour after chemotherapy for disseminated nonseminomatous germ cell tumour (NSGCT). This is a challenging procedure and the outcome varies widely between institutions. There is much debate concerning the anatomical extent of the dissection and the literature is conflicting regarding the outcome of this procedure. In this systematic review we aim to summarise the literature on the relapse rate of PC-RPLND. We performed a search of the literature of the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting on the relapse rate of PC-RPLND in NSGCT patients with residual tumour were eligible for inclusion. We calculated the weighted average relapse rates of included studies and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A total of 33 studies, reporting on 2,379 patients undergoing open PC-RPLND (O-RPLND) and 463 patients undergoing minimally invasive PC-RPLND (MI-RPLND) were included. The weighted average relapse rates were 11.4% for O-RPLND, and 3.0% for MI-RPLND. The rates of retroperitoneal relapse were 4.6% and 1.7% after O-RPLND and MI-RPLND, respectively. For O-RPLND specifically, the average retroperitoneal relapse rate was 3.1% after modified dissection and 6.1% after bilateral dissection. We conclude that modified template dissection is oncologically safe in carefully selected patients. Minimally invasive procedures are feasible but long-term data on the oncological outcome are still lacking. PC-RPLND is a complex and challenging procedure, and patients should be treated at high-volume expert centres.

Extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for early-stage testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Typically robot-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (R-RPLND) has been performed via a transperitoneal approach. Herein we report the first case of a novel R-RPLND using an extraperitoneal approach.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 38-year-old man presented with an enlarging right scrotal mass.

DIAGNOSES

Scrotal ultrasonography demonstrated a 5.5-cm solid mass of the right testis. The patient underwent right radical inguinal orchiectomy. Pathologic examination demonstrated a mixed germ cell tumor, predominately embryonal carcinoma with yolk sac tumor.

INTERVENTIONS

Extraperitoneal R-PRLND was performed 3 weeks after the radical orchiectomy.

OUTCOME

The final pathologic examination showed a count of 19 lymph nodes, all of them negative. Normal antegrade ejaculation returned within 4 weeks postoperatively. No retroperitoneal recurrence or elevation of tumor marker levels were seen via surveillance imaging.

LESSONS

Our study shows that extraperitoneal R-RPLND is a safe and feasible procedure using an extraperitoneal approach that provides minimal invasion and rapid recovery of patients.

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in children and adolescents-Outcome and patterns of relapse when utilizing a nonsurgical strategy for lymph node staging: Report from the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Malignant Mesenchymal Tumour 89 and 95 studies

PURPOSE

To report the results from International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Malignant Mesenchymal Tumors studies (MMT 89 and 95) of males with nonmetastatic paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma.

METHODS

From 1989 to 2003, 159 patients were included. Radical inguinal orchidectomy was recommended, but retroperitoneal lymph node (LN) assessment was based on imaging alone. The treatment was stratified by stage (SIOP tumor-node-metastasis staging system) and histology.

RESULTS

Median age at presentation was 5.6 years (range 0.3-17.6) and 120 patients were of <10 years (75%). Patients ≥10 years had tumors of >5 cm more frequently compared to patients of <10 years (54% vs. 22%, P = 0.0004). The 5- year overall and progression-free survivals were 94% and 83%, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of relapses occurred in the retroperitoneal LN. Thirty-one percent of stage N0 patients of age ≥10 years developed node relapse, compared with 8% of N0 patients aged <10 years (P = 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma have a significant risk of LN relapse. These results support a surgical approach to LN staging in this subgroup of patients.

Post-chemotherapy laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is feasible for stage IIA/B non-seminoma germ cell tumors

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, outcome and complications of post-chemotherapy laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) for stage IIA/B testicular germ cell tumor (GCT) patients in comparison with open RPLND (O-RPLND).

METHODS

L-RPLND was performed in 14 patients with stage IIA/B non-seminoma GCTs among 154 non-seminoma patients who received RPLND after completion of chemotherapy with tumor marker normalization at our institution between 1998 and 2013. Their outcomes were compared with those of 14 patients with stage IIA/B non-seminoma GCTs treated with O-RPLND during the same period. Clinical parameters were compared between L-RPLND and O-RPLND.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the background characteristics of the two groups except for follow-up duration (36 months for L-RPLND, 70 months for O-RPLND; p = 0.02). Blood loss during surgery was significantly less for the L-RPLND group than for the O-RPLND group (155 mL for L-RPLND, 700 mL for O-RPLND; p < 0.001). Parameters related to post-operative recovery were significantly better for the L-RPLND group than for the O-RPLND group. Histopathological examination showed no difference between the two groups. Neither group had disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Post-chemotherapy L-RPLND with a bilateral template and nerve-sparing method was safe, effective, and showed a high preservation rate of antegrade ejaculation with no deterioration of outcomes compared to O-RPLND.

Guidelines on Testicular Cancer: 2015 Update

CONTEXT

This is an update of the previous European Association of Urology testis cancer guidelines published in 2011, which included major changes in the diagnosis and treatment of germ cell tumours.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise latest developments in the treatment of this rare disease. Recommendations have been agreed within a multidisciplinary working group consisting of urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A semi-structured literature search up to February 2015 was performed to update the recommendations. In addition, this document was subjected to double-blind peer review before publication.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

This publication focuses on the most important changes in treatment recommendations for clinical stage I disease and the updated recommendations for follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Most changes in the recommendations will lead to an overall reduction in treatment burden for patients with germ cell tumours. In advanced stages, treatment intensification is clearly defined to further improve overall survival rates.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This is an update of a previously published version of the European Association of Urology guidelines for testis cancer, and includes new recommendations for clinical stage I disease and revision of the follow-up recommendations. Patients should be fully informed of all the treatment options available to them.

Retroperitoneoscopic Cutaneous Ureterostomy in the Supine Position to Relieve Painful Urinary-related Symptoms in an Advanced Anal Canal Cancer Patient

A case of advanced anal canal cancer with skin metastases that extended to the scrotum, penis, and lower abdomen is presented. The patient had severe pain on contact with voided urine because of skin tumors. The curved penis did not allow insertion of catheter to treat painful urination, and suprapubic cystostomy insertion was also impossible because of skin tumors. A right cutaneous ureterostomy was performed using the retroperitoneoscopic approach in supine position, and the left renal artery was embolized using ethanol to eliminate left kidney function. The patient became completely free from all urinary-related pains until he died of progressive disease.

Trans- and extraperitoneal retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in the treatment for nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors (NSGCT): a single Chinese center's retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of two different approaches to perform laparoscopic RPLND: transperitoneal laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (TL-RPLND) and extraperitoneal laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (EL-RPLND).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 2003 and April 2013, 39 patients with nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors were treated by RPLND in our center. Twenty-one patients had TL-RPLND, and 18 patients had EL-RPLND. We performed a comprehensive retrospective study comparing TL-RPLND and EL-RPLND. Certain parameters, including operative time, estimated blood loss, perioperative complications, resected lymph nodes, postoperative intestinal function recovery time, ejaculation, and postoperative tumor markers, were abstracted and compared.

RESULTS

In the EL-RPLND and TL-RPLND groups, the operation times were 178 ± 31 and 207 ± 25 min; the amounts of estimated blood loss were 87 ± 26 and 111 ± 21 ml; the postoperative intestinal function recovery times were 1.2 ± 0.7 and 2.4 ± 0.6 days; the postoperative hospital stays were 5.8 ± 1.1 and 5.5 ± 1.4 days; and the numbers of resected lymph nodes were 16.2 ± 1.5 and 15.8 ± 1.6, respectively. No conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery occurred. No patient in either group received an intraoperative blood transfusion. Overall, two patients developed postoperative fever, and one developed abdominal distension. After a median follow-up of 45 months, no regional relapse or metastases occurred, but 4 patients at clinical stage II were treated successfully by three cycles of platinum-based postoperative chemotherapy. Currently, all patients show no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that EL-RPLND was superior to the transperitoneal approach in terms of the operation time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative intestinal function recovery time, whereas no differences were observed in the number of lymph nodes resected. EL-RPLND was demonstrated to be safe and feasible, with satisfactory clinical outcomes when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Larger cohorts of patients with longer term follow-up are needed for further studies to determine the role of different approaches to L-RPLND.