Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for testicular cancer. Literature review by the Oncology Committee of the French Association of Urology, external genitalia group

Introduction. - Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (PC RPLDN) leads to an overall survival rate for testicular cancer exceeding 75%. Several questions still persist concerning: preoperative assessment of residual masses, reducing templates of dissection, choosing surgical approaches or including RPLND in high-risk patients' management. Method. - The main series in the literature of the past 20 years were analyzed and selected to address these issues and reach a consensual diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Results. - Forty-eight original articles (1992 to 2011) were selected. They confirm that no preoperative tool can predict the histological nature of residual masses. The unilateral modified template is a valid option for selected patients but the full bilateral dissection remains the standard but more morbid. The laparoscopic approach is being evaluated. The LDNRP PC is indicated in "high risk" situations especially after salvage chemotherapy. Conclusion. - The bilateral lymphadenectomy by laparotomy of any supracentimeter residual mass, 6 weeks after chemotherapy, for germ cell tumors of the testicle is a standard of care. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.