Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for isolated node recurrence of renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy: a systematic review

Isolated retroperitoneal lymph node recurrence after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurrs in approximately 1-3% of patients. The optimal management of this condition remains undefined. This systematic review aims to evaluate perioperative and oncologic outcomes following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for isolated nodal recurrence of RCC after nephrectomy.

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase (January 2000-August 2025) according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD420251167754). Data extracted included patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and oncologic outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.