Robotic-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection

Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques have been applied to the staging and treatment of testicular cancer during the performance of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The da Vinci Surgical System potentially improves the safety and accuracy of this approach. We present what we believe to be the first published description of robotic-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, which was performed in an 18-year-old man with a mixed germ cell tumor. This case demonstrates the technical feasibility, safety, and accuracy of robotic-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and expands the role of minimally invasive techniques in urologic oncology.