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

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.