Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND)

What is laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND)?

If you have testicular cancer, you will most likely need surgery to remove the tumors. Surgery is typically the first choice for treatment of testicular cancer. After surgery, depending on the stage of your cancer, you may have either radiation or chemotherapy treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Your doctor may also recommend removing the lymph nodes behind your abdomen in addition to the testicular tumors, depending on your stage of cancer. This minimally invasive procedure — called retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) — removes these lymph nodes.

Your doctor will help determine if you should have laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection at the same time your testicular cancer surgery, or as a separate surgery at a later time.

A less invasive approach for a faster recovery time

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection allows your surgeon to have a clear view of your retroperitoneal cavity, where the lymph nodes are located, while offering the least invasive approach. During the procedure, your surgeon will make several small incisions in your abdomen in order to place a small camera and tiny, laparoscopic surgical instruments inside. Then, while watching on a large television monitor, your surgeon can precisely remove the lymph nodes through one of the small incisions.

Laparoscopic surgery offers a less painful and faster recovery than traditional surgery. It also means you will be able to return to normal activities much more quickly. This type of surgery may not be an option for everyone, so talk to your doctor about whether laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection might work for you.