Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND)

Patients with low stage (Stage I or Stage II), non-seminomatous testicular cancer tumors often elect to undergo further surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Washington University School of Medicine is a leader in minimally invasive surgery. We employ laparoscopic surgical techniques for RPLND, performing the exact dissection and removal of the lymph nodes that is done as an open surgical procedure. We have had surgical results similar to those of the open procedure, but patients experience a much more rapid recovery when compared to the recovery period following the open surgical procedure. Most patients are discharged from the hospital the day after surgery and are fully recovered one month after the surgery.

Laparoscopic RPLND has been criticized with respect to the completeness of dissection of the lymph nodes. We believe that our laparoscopic lymph node dissection is the same dissection that we would do as an open procedure.

Video presentation

To learn more about the laparoscopic RPLND procedure, you may view this video presentation. Caution: This video clip contains actual surgical footage.

Laparoscopic RPLND video clip

Physicians

Dr. Robert Figenshau and Dr. Sam Bhayani specialize in this procedure. The contact information is listed below.

Robert Figenshau, M.D.
314-454-2235

Sam Bhayani, M.D.
314-362-2612

Learn more about Siteman Cancer Center's treatment of testicular cancer.