Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
Published on 07 February 2024
The service provides treatment for people with metastatic germ cell cancer and it's based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a specialist surgical procedure, which involves the removal of residual lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen.
When can patients benefit from the treatment?
RPLND aims to remove metastatic spread – when cancer cells move to other areas of the body. The vast majority of patients are men with testicular cancer. However, this surgery is occasionally in use to treat other diagnoses as well.
The Scottish caseload is approximately 20 cases per year and there is no age restriction. In most cases, adults require the treatment rather than children.