RPLND stands for Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection. It is a surgical procedure used in the treatment of testicular cancer and certain types of non-testicular cancers.
Retroperitoneal refers to the area behind the lining of the abdominal cavity, where the lymph nodes are located. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that function as part of the immune system. They filter lymph, a fluid that circulates throughout the body and helps to remove waste products and fight infections.
Lymph node dissection is the removal of the lymph nodes in a particular region of the body. RPLND specifically refers to the removal of lymph nodes in the retroperitoneal area.
During the RPLND procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the abdomen to access the retroperitoneal area. The lymph nodes are carefully removed and sent for pathological examination to determine if they contain cancer cells.
RPLND is commonly performed for the treatment of testicular cancer, as it allows for the removal of any cancerous lymph nodes in the retroperitoneal area, preventing the cancer from spreading further. The procedure may also be used in cases of non-testicular cancers that have spread to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
Although RPLND is an invasive surgical procedure, it is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option, with the potential to cure certain types of cancers. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with RPLND, including bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures, and post-surgical recovery.
