Inguinal sentinel lymph node dissection vs. complete inguinal lymph node dissection in patients with vulvar cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to ascertain the postoperative morbidity in patients with vulvar cancer undergoing sentinel lymph node vs. complete inguinal lymph node dissection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total 29 and 46 patients with vulvar cancer, were treated by the technique of inguinal sentinel lymph node dissection or complete inguinal lymph node dissection, respectively. RESULTS: Inguinal sentinel lymph node dissection was associated with a shorter operation time, a reduced rate of inguinal seromas, wound breakdown and wound infection, fewer days of inguinal drainage, and reduced postoperative lymphatic secretion. CONCLUSION: Evidence of reduced peri- and postoperative morbidity with the sentinel lymph node technique for inguinal lymph node dissection in patients with vulvar cancer was demonstrated.