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 lymphadenectom y in the staging of penile cancer cases with nonpalpable groin nodes w ere assessed. Materials and Methods: A modified inguinal lymph node di ssection in which the saphenous vein is preserved together with reduct ion of the lateral, distal and proximal margins of dissection was perf ormed on 12 consecutive men with invasive squamous carcinoma of the pe nis and negative inguinal nodes. Results: Five patients were identifie d with nodal metastasis. The sites of inguinal node involvement were l ocalized within the boundaries of the dissection in all patients. No m ajor complications occurred, and no permanent lymphedema or flap necro sis 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.