Primary robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection following orchiectomy for testicular germ cell tumors: a single-surgeon experience

The objectives were to evaluate the safety and oncologic efficacy of primary robotic retroperitoneal lymph node (R-RPLND) dissection for testicular germ cell tumors. A retrospective analysis was performed on all primary R-RPLND cases performed by a single surgeon, who performs both open and R-RPLND at a high-volume academic institution, between August 2013 and August 2019. Data on patient demographics, operative techniques, perioperative outcomes, and tumor characteristics were obtained. 28 men were identified who underwent primary R-RPLND. The majority of patients (N = 21, 75%) had clinical stage I disease, and a bilateral template was more commonly performed than either single side alone (N = 13, 46%). Of note, two cases involving clinical stage II disease were converted electively from robotic to open procedures at the discretion of the surgeon. R-RPLND patients experienced no intraoperative complications. The median follow-up time was 8 months (interquartile range 4–29 months). One (4%) patient developed a disease recurrence at 10 months after R-RPLND. Conclusion: primary R-RPLND is a safe and efficacious procedure for carefully selected men with stage I and II non-seminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. Long-term data are needed to evaluate the comparative oncologic efficacy with open surgery and the notably high rate of chylous ascites.