Modified radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the penis: technique and results.
OBJECTIVE
Modified radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the penis is presented that satisfies the requirement for complete groin dissection, while significantly decreasing postoperative complications.


METHODS
Eight patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 2 with leiomyosarcoma of the penis underwent bilateral modified inguinal lymphadenectomy, including removal of the superficial and deep inguinal lymph nodes. To avoid damage to the vessels of the groin region that run parallel to the inguinal ligament and lie in the fat of the superficial layer of the superficial fascia dissection is done beneath this layer. The proper cleavage plane is just above the membranous layer of the superficial fascia, beneath which the superficial inguinal lymph nodes are located. The saphenous vein is preserved and the sartorius muscle is left in situ, so as not to disturb collateral lymphatic drainage.


RESULTS
At a followup of 6 to 104 months no skin necrosis, infection or deep venous thrombosis occurred. In 2 patients early moderate lymphedema of the lower extremities resolved with time, 2 had scrotal edema and 3 had a transient lymphocele.


CONCLUSIONS
As described, modified radical inguinal lymphadenectomy decreases the morbidity associated with groin dissection, while removing superficial and deep inguinal lymph nodes.
Jacobellis
Ulrico
U
Department of Urology, Polyclinic University Hopsital, Bari, Italy.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000601:surgery; D007890:Leiomyosarcoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011379:Prognosis