Endoscopic lymphadenectomy for penile carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Groin dissection remains the gold standard for the treatment of penile carcinoma that has metastasized to the inguinal lymph nodes. However, it is associated with wound-related complications. Modified groin dissection offers a less-radical approach without compromising oncologic outcomes. We present our technique for endoscopic lymphadenectomy for penile carcinoma (ELPC).


METHODS
Eight patients with clinical stage T(2) N(0-3)M(0) penile carcinoma underwent ELPC. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound mapping of the inguinal lymph nodes and the saphenous vein was performed.


RESULTS
Fourteen lymphadenectomies, including superficial with or without deep inguinal and pelvic-node dissection, were completed in eight patients. The median operative time was 91 minutes (range 50-150 minutes), and the mean number of nodes removed was 9 (range 4-15). No perioperative complications occurred. Lymphoceles developed in three groins (23%). No wound-related complications were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
The ELPC is a safe and feasible technique that appears to diminish the wound-related complications associated with the standard open approach.
Sotelo
Rene
R
Section of Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Urology, La Floresta Medical Institute, Caracas, Venezuela.
Sánchez-Salas
Rafael
R
Carmona
Oswaldo
O
Garcia
Alejandro
A
Mariano
Mirandolino
M
Neiva
Gilvan
G
Trujillo
Gustavo
G
Novoa
John
J
Cornejo
Francisco
F
Finelli
Antonio
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler