Ir al menú principal
Ir al contenido principal
Ir al pie de página
Para
Medicare
Para
Proveedores
Para
Agentes
Para
Empleadores
English
Para individuos y familias:
Para individuos y familias
Médica
Dental
Otros seguros complementarios
Explorar cobertura a través de tu empleador
Cómo comprar seguros de salud
Tipos de seguro dental
Período de Inscripción Abierta vs. Período Especial de Inscripción
Ver todos los temas
Comprar planes de Medicare
Guía para miembros
Buscar un médico
Ingresar a myCigna
Inicio
Centro de información
Biblioteca del bienestar
Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Testicular Cancer
Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Testicular Cancer
Surgery Overview
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is surgery often used to treat testicular cancer. It is done to remove lymph nodes that may be cancerous from the lower back and pelvis.
During the early phases of stage I nonseminoma testicular cancer, it can be very difficult to tell whether these lymph nodes are cancerous without surgically removing them first. For this reason, RPLND may be done even though there is no sign that the cancer has spread (metastasized) beyond the testes.
For many men, the greatest risk associated with RPLND may be sexual side effects. Besides the risks related to any major surgery, RPLND also may lead to a condition known as retrograde ejaculation as a result of nerve damage caused by the surgery. In retrograde ejaculation, the semen flows from the prostate gland into the bladder rather than through the penis and outside the body, resulting in infertility. Men who suffer from retrograde ejaculation typically do not have erection problems or difficulty enjoying sex.
Nerve-sparing surgery techniques can prevent retrograde ejaculation in most men who have this surgery. footnote 1
Try to find an experienced surgeon and a medical center where many surgeries are done for your kind of cancer. Experience can make a big difference. You will likely have fewer side effects, and you'll recover more quickly.
References
References
Citations
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2012). Testicular cancer. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, version 1.2012. Available online: http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/testicular.pdf.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
Enlaces relacionados
Testicular Cancer
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>