Recent Outcomes of Open Surgery for Testicular Cancer Lymph Node Removal

What is it about?

This retrospective study evaluates the safety and outcomes of open primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular cancer patients, analyzing 165 cases from 2018–2021 at Indiana University. The median patient age was 33, and the median BMI was 28.6 kg/m². The study reported a low overall complication rate of 8.48%, with only two major postoperative complications. Patients experienced minimal blood loss, short hospital stays (median of 3 days), and a low risk of chylous ascites. However, higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of complications. The results demonstrate that open primary RPLND has an excellent safety profile and serves as a benchmark for this procedure in experienced medical centers.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This research is important because it provides current data on the outcomes and complication rates of open primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular cancer patients. As testicular cancer incidence is rising and RPLND remains a crucial therapeutic option, understanding the contemporary morbidity profile of this procedure is essential for patient care and surgical decision-making. The study offers valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of open RPLND at a high-volume center, which can serve as a benchmark for comparing outcomes with newer, minimally invasive approaches like robot-assisted RPLND. Key Takeaways: 1. Low Complication Rate: The study reports a low overall complication rate of 8.48% for open primary RPLND, with only 1.21% of cases experiencing major complications, demonstrating the procedure's safety when performed at experienced centers. 2. Short Hospital Stay: The median length of hospital stay was 3 days, with over 76% of patients discharged on day 3 or earlier, indicating efficient postoperative recovery and potential cost-effectiveness. 3. BMI as a Risk Factor: Elevated BMI was identified as the only variable associated with postoperative complications, highlighting the importance of considering patient factors in surgical planning and risk assessment for RPLND.