Retroperitoneal Lymph Mode Excision - Things You Need To Be Aware Of!

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers seen in men in the age group 20 to 38 years. The cause of this cancer is not known, but there are treatments available to treat it and prevent. Symptoms of testicular cancer include pain or swelling in the scrotum and lumps in the testicles. This testicle cancer spreads in a very common pattern and the retroperitoneum’s lymph node is the landing place for the cancer.

Retroperitoneal lymph node excision
Retroperitoneal lymph node excision or dissection is the surgery that is used for treating testicular cancer. The retroperitoneal lymph node is removed during this surgery as cancer first affects this part of the body. There are even many other types of cancers that affect the lymph node. Later this removed lymphatic tissue will be examined in order to determine the spread of this malignant cancer. If there is malignant tissue found, then it is called stage I cancer.

How is retroperitoneal lymph node excision performed?
General anesthesia is required for performing the retroperitoneal lymph node excision. It can be done in both the open surgery method and the laparoscopic method. The duration of the surgery differs from person to person and it also depends on the stage of cancer. Approximately, it takes 6 hours for the surgery to be completed.

The retroperitoneal lymph node is removed from the abdomen. It may be removed only on the side where the cancer is present or on both the sides. This depends on the cancer stage and how it may spread in the future. After the removal of the lymph node, the cut is closed by placing a small tube and then sutured. This tube will help in the quick healing inside and will also help in collecting the fluids draining from that particular area.

In most of the cases, during the retroperitoneal lymph node excision, a surgeon takes care not to remove the nerves or not to cause any kind of damage to the nerves at the back of the abdomen. But in some cases, it is important to remove the nerves or damage may occur to the nerves. This damage or removal may cause side effects such as retrograde ejaculation. This is a condition where the semen is pushed back into the body and is not pushed out.

You need to stay for 3 to 7 days in the hospital post-surgery. You will be given pain medication and antibiotics for a fast recovery.

Why is retroperitoneal lymph node excision done?
This surgery is done to:

• Check if the testicle cancer has spread to the lymph nodes
• Remove the lymph nodes that are affected by cancer
• Reduce the occurrence of cancer in the future