Hyperamylasemia after post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testis cancer.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Postoperative hyperamylasemia was evaluated in patients undergoing post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testis cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Serum levels of amylase, lipase and bilirubin were evaluated prospectively in the immediate postoperative period in 39 consecutive patients who underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

RESULTS:

Hyperamylasemia was found in 16 patients (41%), hyperlipasemia in 17 (43%) and hyperbilirubinemia in 9 (23%). Peak elevations were observed at 24 hours postoperatively and most returned to normal at 1 week. Elevation of these parameters was significantly associated with length and difficulty of the procedure. No patient demonstrated clinical acute pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Extended retraction of the pancreas during post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection may cause a minor reversible injury to the pancreas expressed as hyperamylasemia, hyperlipasemia and, rarely, jaundice. These findings are important to consider in the differential diagnosis of hyperamylasemia following post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

• Authors: J Baniel, I Leibovitch, R S Foster, R G Rowland, R Bihrle, J P Donohue
• Journal: The Journal of urology (J Urol) Vol. 154 Issue 4 Pg. 1373-5 (Oct 1995) ISSN: 0022-5347 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7544838 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lipase
• Amylases
• Bilirubin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Amylases (blood)
• Bilirubin (blood)
• Humans
• Lipase (blood)
• Lymph Node Excision (methods)
• Male
• Metabolic Diseases (blood, chemically induced)
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Period
• Prospective Studies
• Retroperitoneal Space
• Testicular Neoplasms (drug therapy)