Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in the treatment of malignant testis tumours

Experience gained in the treatment of 38 malignant testicular tumour patients is reported. The results of castration + chemotherapy (all these patients died within one year) are compared to those of retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in 15 patients. To preserve the ability of ejaculation the lymph glands accompanying the iliac artery were spared on the contralateral side. Experience has shown that chemotherapy is considered necessary even when the histological finding of the lymph node is completely negative.