Preservation of sexual function after salvage retroperitoneal node dissection following chemotherapy for testicular tumors

Salvage radical retroperitoneal node dissection for large residual masses remaining after chemotherapy for testicular cancer was performed in 41 patients. In 10 instances it was possible to carry out a radical removal and attempt to preserve the sympathetic chain on one side. Ejaculation was preserved in 8 of these cases. Where removal of the mass was complete (33 cases) active cancer was present in 6, only one of whom developed tumor recurrence. Salvage node dissection is worthwhile, and in about 25% of cases can be performed with preservation of ejaculation.