Contemporary trends in postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection: Additional procedures and perioperative complications

Abstract

Introduction

Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) is a mainstay in the treatment of men with metastatic testicular cancer. We sought to determine whether trends in the need for additional intraoperative procedures and development of perioperative complications have changed over time.

Methods

Patients undergoing PC-RPLND from 2003 to 2011 were identified in the Indiana University Testis Cancer Database. Trends in the incidence of perioperative complications and additional procedures were assessed over time using regression tests of trend. Complications were classified according to the modified Clavien system. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with undergoing additional procedures.

Results

After exclusion criteria, 755 patients were included in the final study cohort. The incidence of additional procedures at PC-RPLND was 22.1% (167 of 755). The rate of additional procedures per year ranged from 17% to 30%, with no significant trend in any direction (Ptrend = 0.66). After adjusting for covariates, preoperative retroperitoneal (RP) mass size, elevated markers, and RP pathology remained significantly associated with the odds of an additional procedure. RP mass size of>10 cm was the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 7.2, 95% CI: 2.6–19.5). Overall, the incidence of perioperative complications was 3.7% (28 of 755). The rate of perioperative complications per year ranged from 0% to 7.3% with no significant trend in any direction (Ptrend = 0.06).

Conclusion

The incidence of perioperative complications is low with no significant trend over the last decade. A substantial number of patients require additional intraoperative procedures during PC-RPLND, which has remained stable at our institution over time.