Surgical Complications in Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Nonseminoma Germ Cell Tumour: A Population-based Study from the Swedish Norwegian Testicular Cancer Group

Background: Reports on perioperative complications after postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) for nonseminoma germ cell tumour (NSGCT) are from experienced single centres, with a lack of population-based studies. Objective: To assess the complications of bilateral and unilateral PC-RPLND. Design, setting, and participants: A prospective, population-based, observational multi-centre study included all patients with NSGCT who underwent PC-RPLND in Norway and Sweden during 2007-2014. Of a total of 318 patients, 87 underwent bilateral PC-RPLND and 231 underwent unilateral PC-RPLND. The median follow-up was 6 yr. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Bilateral and unilateral PC-RPLND were compared for the outcomes of intra- and postoperative complications (graded by Clavien-Dindo) and retrograde ejaculation (with or without nerve-sparing surgery). Complications were reported as absolute counts and percentages. The chi(2) test was used for comparisons. Results and limitations: The incidence of intraoperative complications was higher for bilateral PC-RPLND than for unilateral PC-RPLND (14% vs 4.3%, p = 0.003), with ureteral injury as the most frequent reported complication (2% of the patients). Postoperative complications were more common after bilateral than after unilateral PC-RPLND (45% vs 25%, p = 0.001) with Clavien >= 3b reported in 8.3% and 2.2%, respectively (p = 0.009). Lymphatic leakage was the most common complication occurring in 11% of the patients. Retrograde ejaculation occurred more frequently after bilateral than after unilateral surgery (59% vs 32%, p < 0.001). Limitations of the study include reporting of retrograde ejaculation, which was based on a chart review. Conclusions: Intra- and postoperative complications including retrograde ejaculation are more frequent after bilateral PC-RPLND than after unilateral PC-RPLND. Patient summary: Lymph node dissection in patients with testicular cancer puts them at risk of complications. In this study, we present the complications after lymph node dissection. (C) 2019 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.