Accurate staging of carcinoma of the penis in men with nonpalpable inguinal lymph nodes by modified inguinal lymphadenectomy.

PURPOSE

The accuracy and safety of a modified inguinal lymphadenectomy in the staging of penile cancer cases with nonpalpable groin nodes were assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A modified inguinal lymph node dissection in which the saphenous vein is preserved together with reduction of the lateral, distal and proximal margins of dissection was performed on 12 consecutive men with invasive squamous carcinoma of the penis and negative inguinal nodes.

RESULTS

Five patients were identified with nodal metastasis. The sites of inguinal node involvement were localized within the boundaries of the dissection in all patients. No major complications occurred, and no permanent lymphedema or flap necrosis was encountered. With a followup of 14 to 72 months no patient has had recurrent disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified inguinal dissection is a reliable staging technique that also provides therapeutic benefit to patients with penile cancer and clinically negative nodes.