Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors.

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LRPLND) is currently being used to treat stage I and II nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). LRPLND can be used as both a staging procedure and therapeutic intervention. The procedure mimics the advantages of open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with less pain, quicker convalescence, and improved cosmesis. LRPLND is a technically advanced procedure which demands considerable experience in laparoscopic dissection. The most common complication with LRPLND cases has been intraoperative hemorrhage, but this can be minimized with careful and controlled isolation of the great vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]