Redo retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for germ cell tumor

Redo retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for the treatment of germ cell tumors (GCTs) is an uncommonly performed procedure. We report on 9 patients who underwent redo RPLND at the University of Wisconsin (UW) between January 1988 and December 1990. Indications for redo RPLND include: residual retroperitoneal mass after initial RPLND and chemotherapy, normal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (B-HCG), otherwise negative metastatic workup, and evidence that the mass is resectable. Overall, 6 of 9 patients are alive with no evidence of disease at a mean follow-up of thirty-two months. Preoperative evaluation, histopathology, morbidity, and technical aspects of this procedure, which is a critical part of the management of GCT, are reviewed.