[Post chemotherapy laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection].

OBJECTIVES

To describe the laparoscopic excision of a postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual mass in a patient with mixed germ cell testicular tumor.

METHODS/

RESULTS

We report the operative technique of laparoscopic excision of a retroperitoneal mass in a 33 year old patient with mixed germ cell testicular tumor. The patient is placed in a lateral decubitus right lumbotomy position and trocars are introduced into the abdominal cavity. Once the retroperitoneum is approached, and after a Kocher manoeuvre of the duodenum, the interaortocaval mass is identified and excised. The operation is completed with lympadenectomy down to the common iliac artery bifurcation bilaterally.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach is another option for the surgical treatment of residual masses after chemotherapy in testicular tumors. Nevertheless, previous laparoscopic experience is necessary due to its difficulty.