Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is complex; however, recent advances in technology have allowed adoption of the robotic platform for highly select cases. Initial case series have shown improved cosmesis, less blood loss, and decreased length of stay compared with open RPLND. Our preference for performing robotic RPLND is via a transperitoneal approach with the patient in the supine position, thus facilitating a bilateral template dissection identical to that used in all our open procedures. Robotic RPLND should mimic the open approach with regard to oncologic principles and should only be performed by clinicians well versed in open RPLND.
The Urologic clinics of North America. 2019 May 21 [Epub]
Zachary Klaassen, Robert J Hamilton
Division of Urology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BA-8414, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA, USA., Division of Urology, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue - Suite 3-130, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: .