A comprehensive evaluation of sexual and reproductive outcomes following robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for nonseminomatous germ cell tumor.

Francesco A Mistretta; Ottavio DE Cobelli; Paolo Verze; Francesco Botticelli; Letizia Jannello; Stefano Luzzago; Gabriele Cozzi; Roberto Bianchi; Ettore DI Trapani; Matteo Ferro; Giovanni Cordima; Danilo Bottero; Deliu Victor Matei; Vincenzo Mirone; Gennaro Musi

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A comprehensive evaluation of sexual and reproductive outcomes following robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for nonseminomatous germ cell tumor.

Author: Francesco A MISTRETTA ¹ ; Ottavio DE COBELLI ¹ ; Paolo VERZE ² ; Francesco BOTTICELLI ¹ ; Letizia JANNELLO ¹ ; Stefano LUZZAGO ¹ ; Gabriele COZZI ¹ ; Roberto BIANCHI ¹ ; Ettore DI TRAPANI ¹ ; Matteo FERRO ¹ ; Giovanni CORDIMA ¹ ; Danilo BOTTERO ¹ ; Deliu Victor MATEI ¹ ; Vincenzo MIRONE ² ; Gennaro MUSI ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Urology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan 20141, Italy.
2. Department of Urology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80138, Italy.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: andrology; lymph node excision; nonseminomatous germ cell tumor; robotics; testicular cancer
MeSH: Male; Child; Humans; Robotics; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/surgery*; Testicular Neoplasms/pathology*; Lymph Node Excision/adverse effects*; Retroperitoneal Space/surgery*; Erectile Dysfunction/surgery*; Treatment Outcome
From: Asian Journal of Andrology 2022;24(6):579-583
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: Sexual disorders following retroperitoneal pelvic lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testis tumor can affect the quality of life of patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate several different andrological outcomes, which may be influenced by robot-assisted (RA) RPLND. From January 2012 to March 2020, 32 patients underwent RA-RPLND for stage I nonseminomatous testis cancer or postchemotherapy (PC) residual mass. Modified unilateral RPLND nerve-sparing template was always used. Major variables of interest were erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), dry ejaculation (DE), or orgasm alteration. Finally, fertility as well as the fecundation process (sexual intercourse or medically assisted procreation [MAP]) was investigated. Ten patients (31.3%) presented an andrological disorder of any type after RA-RPLND. Hypospermia was present in 4 (12.5%) patients, DE (International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5] <25) in 3 (9.4%) patients, and ED in 3 (9.4%) patients. No PE or orgasmic alterations were described. Similar median age at surgery, body mass index (BMI), number of nodes removed, scholar status, and preoperative risk factor rates were identified between groups. Of all these 10 patients, 6 (60.0%) were treated at the beginning of our robotic experience (2012-2016). Of all 32 patients, 5 (15.6%) attempted to have a child after RA-RPLND. All of these 5 patients have successfully fathered children, but 2 (40.0%) required a MAP. In conclusion, a nonnegligible number of andrological complications occurred after RA-RPLND, mainly represented by ejaculation disorders, but ED occurrence and overall sexual satisfaction deficit should be definitely considered. No negative impact on fertility was described after RA-RPLND.