Management of Duodenal Involvement During Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Germ Cell Tumors

Urology. 2017 Jan:99:169-173. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2016.04.061. Epub 2016 Sep 19.

Abstract

Objective: To describe patient characteristics and outcomes after duodenal repair during postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) and to identify treatment and management patterns.

Methods: The Indiana University Testis Cancer database was used to identify all patients who underwent simultaneous partial duodenectomy and PC-RPLND from 1983 to 2013. Patient records were reviewed to describe patient and tumor characteristics, type of duodenal restoration, postoperative management, and complications.

Results: Of the 2223 PC-RPLND performed during the study period, we identified 39 patients who underwent simultaneous duodenectomy, with 1 patient requiring 2 duodenal procedures for a total of 40 duodenal procedures. The postchemotherapy median tumor mass size was 8.95 (2.5-17) cm. Fifty percent of cases were standard PC-RPLND; the remainders were redo, desperation, or late relapse cases. Preoperative gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 21% of patients and included bowel obstruction (8%) or gastrointestinal bleeding (13%). Retroperitoneal pathology consisted of teratoma (48%), cancer (33%), and necrosis (20%). Duodenal involvement was managed with primary duodenorrhaphy (68%), duodenojejunostomy (18%), duodenoduodenostomy (13%), or pancreaticoduodenectomy (3%). Starting in the year 2000, duodenostomy and gastrostomy tubes were no longer used. The most common postoperative complication was ileus (45%) with a 3% duodenal fistula rate.

Conclusion: Duodenal tumor involvement during PC-RPLND is most commonly managed with primary duodenorrhaphy after partial duodenectomy with an acceptable duodenal fistula rate. The routine use of duodenostomy or gastrostomy tubes is not recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Duodenal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Duodenal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Duodenal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Duodenum / diagnostic imaging
  • Duodenum / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Indiana / epidemiology
  • Lymph Node Excision / adverse effects*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / secondary
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Retroperitoneal Space
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology
  • Testicular Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Young Adult