Comparison of computed tomography, lymphography, and phlebography in 200 consecutive patients with regard to retroperitoneal metastases from testicular tumor.

Two hundred patients with testicular tumor were examined by computed tomography (CT), lymphography, and phlebography of the inferior vena cava and left renal and testicular veins. Metastases were demonstrated in 71. CT was positive in 66, lymphography in 60, phlebography in 53, and a combination of lymphography and phlebography in 65. CT was particularly helpful in studying the upper retroperitoneal space and defining the extent of tumor. Lymphography was preferable for demonstrating metastases in non-enlarged, contrast-filled nodes. Phlebography was never the only positive examination and is not recommended as a routine procedure, though it may be helpful in planning surgery. The authors suggest that CT be performed first, followed by lymphography in negative or equivocal cases.