EXTRAPERITONEAL LAPAROSCOPIC PARA-AORTIC LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR EARLY STAGE NONSEMINOMATOUS GERM CELL TUMORS OF THE TESTIS WITH INTRODUCTION OF A NERVE SPARING TECHNIQUE: DESCRIPTION AND RESULTS

Abstract

Although a larger experience and longer followup are required, extraperitoneal laparoscopy is a safe, effective and well suited method of diagnostic para-aortic lymph node dissection for early stage testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. The specific advantages of this approach are no blind trocar insertion or bowel contact and ability to perform nerve sparing dissection. Moreover, it is cost-effective since only 3 trocars are necessary and recovery is rapid.