Prospective clinical trial of the merits of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection at the time of nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

293 Background: The role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC) remains controversial. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the safety and feasibility of RPLND at the time of nephroureterectomy (NU) and to determine the incidence of lymph node metastasis and hence the clinical merit of this procedure at the time of NU. Methods: From March 2009 to October 2010, sixteen patients with UUT-UC underwent open (8), laparoscopic (4) or robotic (4) NU with modified RPLND. Each patient received the appropriate modified template dissection depending on the site of the UC. Demographic data, clinical and pathologic stage, histologic nodal status, perioperative complications and recurrence data were documented. Results: On final pathology, 11 (69%) patients had pTa disease, 1 (6%) had pT1, 3(19%) had pT3 disease and 1 (6%) had a benign angioma. The average lymph node count was 8 (range 3–27). No patient had positive lymph node metastasis. The median operative time was 252 minutes (range 146–371). Average EBL was 342 ml (range 100–950). Median hospital stay was 7 days (4–18). Median follow up was 5 months (range 0–16). There were four bladder tumor recurrences and one recurrence in the opposite renal pelvis and ureter. Two patients with pT3 disease as well as the patient with recurrence in the opposite UUT received chemotherapy. Four patients (25%) were given blood transfusions (median 1.2, range 1–2), one patient (6%) developed a chylous leak which resolved in four weeks, one patient (6%) developed postoperative ileus and one patient (6%) had a bowel injury during lysis of adhesions necessitating resection and anastomosis of small bowel. There was no injury to major vessels or other solid organs. Conclusions: Our preliminary results indicate that RPLND during NU for UUT-UC is a safe procedure with minimal morbidity. A larger prospective clinical trial as a multicenter study is required to adequately assess the pathological and treatment related outcomes. No significant financial relationships to disclose.