Robot-Assisted Simultaneous Bilateral Radical Inguinal Lymphadenectomy Along with Robotic Bilateral Pelvic Lymphadenectomy: A Feasibility Study.

INTRODUCTION

To report the surgical technique, procedure outcomes, and feasibility of robot-assisted simultaneous bilateral radical inguinal with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three consecutive patients of penile and urethral carcinoma with palpable inguinal lymphadenopathy who underwent robot-assisted simultaneous bilateral radical inguinal with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy in our institution from May 2013 to October 2015 were included in the study. Surgical technique is described and feasibility of the procedure is assessed.

RESULTS

Three patients aged 58, 76, and 35 years underwent robot-assisted simultaneous bilateral radical inguinal with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy with a mean operative duration of 453.33 minutes (range 420-490 minutes). Average blood loss was 66.66 mL (range 50-80 mL) and mean time to removal of last drain was 44.66 days (range 28-72 days). Mean lymph node yield in left inguinal region, right inguinal region, left pelvic region, and right pelvic region was 18, 14.6, 13.3, and 16.6, respectively. The perioperative period was uneventful. No skin flap-related complications were seen. One patient suffered lymphocele postoperatively, which was managed successfully with needle aspiration. One patient developed lung metastasis in follow-up and none of them had local recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted simultaneous bilateral radical inguinal with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is feasible, safe, and may result in decreased morbidity compared to conventional open lymphadenectomy.