A National RPLND audit launches today, 1 March 2012 and will run for one year. The aim is to capture every RPLND performed for germ cell tumour in a one-year period. The Section of Oncology will then be in a position to write the definitive article on this operation as currently performed. Our aim would be that any article on testis cancer, in the future, referenced the BAUS Oncology audit of RPLND.
The protocol has been put together by the Section Chairman, Tim O'Brien, in London and by Matt Hayes in Southampton together with Sarah Fowler, the BAUS database manager, with input from a number of surgeons, oncologists and nurses. The reaction so far, from the RPLND community of surgeons, has been very positive.
Writing to members of the Section, Tim O'Brien comments:
"This sort of study, i.e. a time-limited analysis of a relatively uncommonly performed operation, is something the Section is perfectly positioned to do and I think we should use it as a test example. I will be making a big personal effort to ensure this study completes successfully."
A copy of the full dataset is available on the Section's research and audit page, but all data must be entered online using the BAUS data and audit system. Any members requiring assistance in logging on to or using the data and audit system should contact Sarah Fowler.
RPLND (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection)
Patient information about this procedure is available on the patients' area of this site or in the My BAUS section (BAUS members only - requires password).
