Ejaculation

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection

Surgery

Perioperative

Testicular cancer

Retroperitoneal space

Environmental health

Dissection (medical)

Complication

Population

Internal medicine

Prostate

Chemotherapy

Medicine

Retrograde ejaculation

Cancer

European Urology Oncology

Reports on perioperative complications after postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) for nonseminoma germ cell tumour (NSGCT) are from experienced single centres, with a lack of population-based studies. To assess the complications of bilateral and unilateral PC-RPLND. A prospective, population-based, observational multicentre study included all patients with NSGCT who underwent PC-RPLND in Norway and Sweden during 2007–2014. Of a total of 318 patients, 87 underwent bilateral PC-RPLND and 231 underwent unilateral PC-RPLND. The median follow-up was 6 yr. Bilateral and unilateral PC-RPLND were compared for the outcomes of intra- and postoperative complications (graded by Clavien-Dindo) and retrograde ejaculation (with or without nerve-sparing surgery). Complications were reported as absolute counts and percentages. The χ2 test was used for comparisons. The incidence of intraoperative complications was higher for bilateral PC-RPLND than for unilateral PC-RPLND (14% vs 4.3%, p = 0.003), with ureteral injury as the most frequent reported complication (2% of the patients). Postoperative complications were more common after bilateral than after unilateral PC-RPLND (45% vs 25%, p = 0.001) with Clavien ≥3b reported in 8.3% and 2.2%, respectively (p = 0.009). Lymphatic leakage was the most common complication occurring in 11% of the patients. Retrograde ejaculation occurred more frequently after bilateral than after unilateral surgery (59% vs 32%, p < 0.001). Limitations of the study include reporting of retrograde ejaculation, which was based on a chart review. Intra- and postoperative complications including retrograde ejaculation are more frequent after bilateral PC-RPLND than after unilateral PC-RPLND. Lymph node dissection in patients with testicular cancer puts them at risk of complications. In this study, we present the complications after lymph node dissection.

Surgical Complications in Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Nonseminoma Germ Cell Tumour: A Population-based Study from the Swedish Norwegian Testicular Cancer Group