Modified radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the penis: technique and results

PURPOSE: Modified radical inguinal lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the penis is presented that satisfies the requirement for complete groin dissection, while significantly decreasing postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND 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.     

Lymphadenektomie beim Peniskarzinom

Lymphadenectomy is an essential part of diagnosis and treatment of the squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Lymphadenectomy is performed depending on various characteristics of penile cancer such as depth of invasion, tumor grade, invasion into the corpora cavernosa, invasion into vascular and lymphatic vessels. In case the inguinal lymphnodes are not palpable a modified lymphadenectomy is indicated. The limits of lymphadenectomy are extended to the radical type of dissection when the frozen section indicates cancer. Inguinal lymphadenectomy is always performed on both sides. Are more than 2 nodes positive the lymphnodes in the true pelvis have to be resected as well. The dynamic sentinel lymphnode dissection may replace the modified approach in case randomized prospective studies will confirm the initial positive results and morbidity can be reduced as well. The immediate lymphadenectomy is superior to the delayed lymphadenectomy (palpable nodes during followup) in terms of local recurrence and survival. According to the risk profile patients with palpable inguinal lymphnodes can be initially managed conservatively. In case the lymphnodes remain palpable, lymphadenectomy is indicated. In this situation it is reasonable to perform imaging studies of the pelvis and abdomen for adequate planning of the surgical approach. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is reasonable for patients with bulky nodes fixed to the skin or fascia because this improves respectability, freedom from local recurrence and increases survival. Adjuvant chemo- and/or radio-therapy are reserved for extended disease or palliative situations.     

Morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy for invasive penile carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and the consequences of complications related to modified and radical inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with invasive penile carcinoma, defined by invasion of the corpus spongiosum or cavernosum (> or =T2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 118 modified (67.0%), and 58 radical (33.0%) inguinal lymphadenectomy were performed in 88 patients between 1989 and 2000. To decrease the morbidity, radical inguinal lymphadenectomy was proposed only in patients with palpable inguinal lymph nodes, uni- or bilaterally (N1 or N2). Modified inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed bilaterally in patients with invasive penile carcinoma and non-palpable inguinal lymph nodes (N0), and unilaterally in the side without inguinal metastases in N1 patients. Complications were assessed retrospectively with a median follow-up of 46 months and classified as early (event observed during the 30 days after the procedure) or late (event present after hospitalisation or after the first months). RESULTS: A total of 74 complications after 176 procedures were recorded. After modified inguinal lymphadenectomy, 8 early (6.8%) and 4 late (3.4%) complications were observed. There were a total of 110 dissections with no complications and 8 dissections with 1 or 2 complications. After radical inguinal lymphadenectomy, the morbidity increased with 24 early (41.4%) and 25 late (43.1%) complications, observed in only 18 of 58 radical procedures. Leg oedema was the most common late complication, interfering with ambulation in 13 cases (22.4%). CONCLUSION: Modified inguinal lymphadenectomy, with saphenous vein sparing and limited dissection offers excellent functional outcome in patients with invasive penile carcinoma and nonpalpable inguinal lymph nodes. The morbidity after radical lymphadenectomy still significant, especially in patients with multiple or bilateral superficial inguinal lymph nodes treated by pelvic and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy.     

阴茎切除术和同期改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术治疗阴茎癌10例的近期疗效

目的 总结阴茎切除术和改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术同期治疗阴茎癌的近期临床效果.方法 术前5-7天使用抗菌药,阴茎局部及腹股沟区高锰酸钾溶液泡洗,先行阴茎部分切除术或阴茎全切+会阴尿道造口术,同期行改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术.清扫时皮肤切缘缝线作为牵引,沿浅筋膜浅层和浅筋膜深层之间少血管平面分离,术后皮瓣下置多孔引流管接负压吸引,皮瓣用丝线固定于相应位置的深筋膜处,皮缘处分浅筋膜浅层,皮肤两层缝合.结果 中位术后住院日14天(范围10～18天),出院时伤口痊愈或仅有小的并发症.伤口部分裂开1侧.皮肤切口边缘坏死6侧(30%),无腹股沟皮瓣感染或深静脉血栓.无下肢淋巴水肿、淋巴囊肿或血肿.随访1-28个月.平均18个月.无瘤生存10例,无阴茎或腹股沟处复发.结论 阴茎切除术和改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术同期治疗阴茎癌,并发症发生率无增高.采用改良的腹股沟清扫术可以降低并发症的发生率.由于病例数少,随访时间短,对预防腹股沟淋巴结复发和提高患者长期生存率有待进一步的临床研究.     

阴茎切除术和同期改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术治疗阴茎癌10例的近期疗效

目的 总结阴茎切除术和改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术同期治疗阴茎癌的近期临床效果.方法 术前5-7天使用抗菌药,阴茎局部及腹股沟区高锰酸钾溶液泡洗,先行阴茎部分切除术或阴茎全切+会阴尿道造口术,同期行改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术.清扫时皮肤切缘缝线作为牵引,沿浅筋膜浅层和浅筋膜深层之间少血管平面分离,术后皮瓣下置多孔引流管接负压吸引,皮瓣用丝线固定于相应位置的深筋膜处,皮缘处分浅筋膜浅层,皮肤两层缝合.结果 中位术后住院日14天(范围10～18天),出院时伤口痊愈或仅有小的并发症.伤口部分裂开1侧.皮肤切口边缘坏死6侧(30%),无腹股沟皮瓣感染或深静脉血栓.无下肢淋巴水肿、淋巴囊肿或血肿.随访1-28个月.平均18个月.无瘤生存10例,无阴茎或腹股沟处复发.结论 阴茎切除术和改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术同期治疗阴茎癌,并发症发生率无增高.采用改良的腹股沟清扫术可以降低并发症的发生率.由于病例数少,随访时间短,对预防腹股沟淋巴结复发和提高患者长期生存率有待进一步的临床研究.     

阴茎切除术和同期改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术治疗阴茎癌10例的近期疗效

目的 总结阴茎切除术和改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术同期治疗阴茎癌的近期临床效果.方法 术前5-7天使用抗菌药,阴茎局部及腹股沟区高锰酸钾溶液泡洗,先行阴茎部分切除术或阴茎全切+会阴尿道造口术,同期行改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术.清扫时皮肤切缘缝线作为牵引,沿浅筋膜浅层和浅筋膜深层之间少血管平面分离,术后皮瓣下置多孔引流管接负压吸引,皮瓣用丝线固定于相应位置的深筋膜处,皮缘处分浅筋膜浅层,皮肤两层缝合.结果 中位术后住院日14天(范围10～18天),出院时伤口痊愈或仅有小的并发症.伤口部分裂开1侧.皮肤切口边缘坏死6侧(30%),无腹股沟皮瓣感染或深静脉血栓.无下肢淋巴水肿、淋巴囊肿或血肿.随访1-28个月.平均18个月.无瘤生存10例,无阴茎或腹股沟处复发.结论 阴茎切除术和改良腹股沟淋巴结清扫术同期治疗阴茎癌,并发症发生率无增高.采用改良的腹股沟清扫术可以降低并发症的发生率.由于病例数少,随访时间短,对预防腹股沟淋巴结复发和提高患者长期生存率有待进一步的临床研究.     

The significance of inguinal lymphadenectomy in carcinoma of the penis

The occurrence of inguinal lymph node metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the penis depends on local tumor extension, tumor grade, and vascular invasion. Whilst imaging techniques and fine needle biopsy can detect metastases to the inguinal nodes, resection of the superficial inguinal nodes remains the procedure of choice for diagnosis. The risk profile defined in the guidelines of the EAU is used to decide whether modified inguinal lymphadenectomy is indicated in the case of nonpalpable lymph nodes. Resection of the sentinel lymph node marked by (99)Tc and dye has not yet been adequately evaluated as an alternative to be accepted as the standard method.When the superficial inguinal lymph nodes are found to harbor metastases the next step is a radical bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. When metastases are found in two lymph nodes or extranodal tumor growth is observed, or imaging techniques reveal enlarged nodes in the pelvis the lymphadenectomy is extended to the pelvic nodes. With appropriate surgical technique and postoperative care the complication rate is low; in particular, persistent lymphedema of the legs is rarely observed. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the two combined have not been tested for efficacy, but are used individually before and after surgery, depending on the local tumor extent.     

Endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection for penile carcinoma: the developing of a novel technique

Objective  The present article discusses endoscopic approach for inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile carcinoma (ELPC): its arrival to urological practice, development, accomplishments, and future endeavors. Our aim is to highlight the development of this novel technique, which offers a possible option for a less morbid surgical approach. Method  Review of the available medical literature in ELPC. Results  Regional surgical therapy constitutes a mainstay element of therapeutics for penile carcinoma. Elevated morbidity remains an issue for the traditional surgical approach. Endoscopic lymphadenectomy for penile carcinoma emerged as surgical option to accomplish cancer objectives while avoiding substantial morbidity. Conclusions  Endoscopic approach for inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile carcinoma is still in a developing stage in which it is mandatory to evaluate larger series of patients with longer follow-up. Initial series present promising results.     

Fine-needle aspiration cytology predicts inguinal lymph node metastasis without antibiotic pretreatment in penile carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of palpable inguinal lymphadenopathy before definitive management of the primary tumour, in predicting inguinal lymph node (LN) metastasis in men with primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen men with primary SCC of the penis and palpable inguinal lymphadenopathy (unilateral or bilateral) were treated by primary resection and bilateral inguinal LN dissection. FNA cytology was analysed for 25 palpable inguinal LNs at the time of penile biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNA cytology was compared with the histological findings from surgical LN clearance. RESULTS: The 25 FNAs were without complication and without evidence of implantation of metastasis in the needle tracts; 14 FNA samples were positive for metastasis, 10 were negative, and one was inconclusive. From the histological assessment of the surgical inguinal LN specimens, FNA cytology had a sensitivity of 93%, and specificity of 91% in predicting metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: FNA cytology of palpable inguinal lymphadenopathy before surgery for the primary tumour has a high sensitivity and specificity for metastatic penile cancer. This procedure permits early inguinal lymphadenectomy where appropriate without need for prolonged initial antibiotic treatment.     

Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy: a new minimally invasive procedure for radical management of inguinal nodes in patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy is a recently described lymphadenectomy with the same template of the open technique but performed with laparoscopic instruments under video guidance. It was developed to decrease procedure related morbidity while maintaining good oncological results. We report our initial results in a trial comparing video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy with standard inguinal lymphadenectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2003 to 2005, 10 patients with penile carcinoma who were at high risk for inguinal metastases underwent bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. We performed standard lymphadenectomy in 1 limb and video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy on the contralateral side. Perioperative results and followup data were compared. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred. Mean operative time was 92 and 126 minutes for open and endoscopic surgery, respectively (p=0.00002). Despite the small number of patients we noted a decrease in cutaneous complications with video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (0% vs 50%, p=0.017) and a trend toward decreased overall morbidity with this endoscopic technique (20% vs 70%, p=0.059). The mean number of retrieved and positive lymph nodes were similar for the 2 techniques. At a mean followup of 18.7 months (range 12 to 31) no signs of recurrence or disease progression were noted. In the postoperative period 9 of the 10 patients identified video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy as the preferred technique in terms of surgical morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy is a safe and feasible technique in patients with penile carcinoma and nonpalpable nodes. These preliminary results suggest that video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy may decrease postoperative morbidity without compromising oncological control. Future studies should include the bilateral procedure, longer term followup and a greater number of patients.     

阴茎癌根治性髂腹股沟淋巴结清扫术的改进

目的:对根治性髂腹股沟淋巴结清扫手术进行改进,以完整清除淋巴结并减少术后并发症。方法:2003~2004年对20例阴茎鳞状细胞癌患者施行根治性腹股沟淋巴结清扫,其中5例还施行了髂淋巴结清扫。腹股沟区的清扫范围包括腹股沟浅组和深组淋巴结,采用暴露好的直切口,皮瓣厚度适中,切断大隐静脉且不转移缝匠肌。髂淋巴结清扫采用下腹正中切口,术后采用逐步降低的负压吸引促进引流和皮瓣愈合。结果:两侧腹股沟区淋巴结平均为21个,阳性淋巴结平均为1.6个。术后病理检查证实55%的患者有淋巴结转移,纠正了40%的术前分期。术后有1例出现高热和局部感染,另有27.5%的单侧腹股沟区域出现局部并发症,包括皮缘坏死、愈合延迟、皮下积液和淋巴瘘。无一例出现大面积皮片坏死和股血管损伤。结论:改进的根治性髂腹股沟淋巴结清扫手术保证了清扫范围,减少了手术并发症。     

First experience with gamma probe guided sentinel lymph node surgery in penile cancer

Because of the curative approach, the detection of lymph node metastases in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis is of significant clinical relevance. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification by means of lymphangiography has been proven to be insufficiently safe. However, the high morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy and the considerable individual variability regarding the location of lymph node metastases justify the necessity of a technique that enables the identification of SLNs. Since 1998, SLNs have been intraoperatively identified and selectively dissected, after peritumoral injection of technetium-99m nanocolloid and using lymphoscintigraphy, in three patients (one with malignant melanoma and two with SCC). At least one SLN could be detected in each patient. The maximum surgical time was 30 min. There were no severe complications. Lymph node metastases did not occur in any patient. Upon a mean follow-up of 10 months, all patients are currently free of tumor. Owing to the long-term results of sentinel lymphadenectomy in malignant melanoma of other locations and our preliminary results with respect to penile carcinoma, we consider the current method appropriate as the only primary operation for lymph node staging in early stages and, in combination with modified inguinal lymphadenectomy, in locally advanced stages. Received: 24 November 1999 / Accepted: 21 April 2000     

Modified inguinal lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the penis with preservation of saphenous veins: technique and preliminary results

The controversy surrounding the management of patients with invasive carcinoma of the penis and clinically negative nodes is discussed. The rationale, technique and preliminary results of a modified inguinal lymphadenectomy in which the lateral and caudal extents of nodal excision are reduced, and the saphenous veins are preserved also are presented. This modified lymphadenectomy has been performed in 6 patients with invasive carcinoma of the penis or distal urethra without major or troublesome complications.     

Use of in situ spermatic cord patch for inguinal lymph node dissection

Inguinal lymph node dissection for diagnosis of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the penis can cause significant morbidity and mortality for patients due to local wound breakdown, lymphedema, and vascular erosion. Various methods have been described to cover exposed femoral vessels to preserve their integrity, the most common being transposition of the sartorius muscle. We describe the successful use of in situ spermatic cord for coverage of the femoral artery and vein after inguinal lymph node dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis in two patients. To our knowledge, this has not been previously described and is a simple and successful alternative way to cover the femoral vessels after inguinal lymphadenectomy.     

Nomogram predictive of pathological inguinal lymph node involvement in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis

PURPOSE: In penile cancer the therapeutic benefits of early inguinal lymphadenectomy must be counterbalanced by the high rates of morbidity, postoperative complications and mortality. A relevant aim is optimizing the selection of the patients who could really have the highest survival advantage from inguinal lymphadenectomy, limiting the cases in which this surgery might be considered over treatment with a risk of severe complications. We generated a nomogram estimating the risk of pathological inguinal lymph node involvement according to clinical lymph node stage and pathological findings of the primary tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical and pathological data of 175 patients who had undergone surgical therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis from 1980 to 2002 at 11 urological centers in northeastern Italy. A logistic regression model was used to construct the nomogram. RESULTS: The presence of palpable groin lymph nodes and the histological findings of vascular and/or lymphatic embolization were important predictors of metastatic inguinal lymph node involvement. The nomogram predicting the risk of metastatic lymph node involvement showed a good concordance index (0.876) and good calibration. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical stage of groin lymph nodes and pathological findings of penectomy specimens allowed us to generate a nomogram to predict the probability of metastatic lymph node involvement in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. The statistical model showed an excellent ability to identify the patients with lymph node metastases and good calibration.     

Factors predicting inguinal node metastasis in squamous cell cancer of penis

Purpose  

To identify factors predicting the risk of inguinal metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. The therapeutic advantages of early lymphadenectomy in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis must be counterbalanced against its post-operative morbidity. Loss to follow up is a major problem in developing countries. Generating a nomogram based on clinical lymph node status and histopathological findings in the primary tumor could facilitate clinical decision making in the management of penile cancer.     

Anatomic considerations of the penis and its lymphatic drainage.

A few clinical caveats relevant to penile neurovascular and lymphatic anatomy deserve special emphasis. First, it is clear from the work of Breza and others that the neurovascular anatomy of the penis differs from patient to patient, especially with regard to the arterial supply. It seems prudent to identify an accessory pudendal artery during pelvic lymphadenectomy and nerve-sparing prostatectomy in order to prevent a neurologically intact penis being left with an inadequate corporal blood supply. From an anatomic perspective, it appears that the sentinel lymph node biopsy might be useful in the management of superficial carcinoma of the prepuce or skin of the penis, as these areas drain to the superomedial zone of the superficial inguinal nodes, to which the sentinel node belongs. However, most tumors of the penis involve the glans. Thus, the sentinel node biopsy will not reliably predict nodal involvement for all clinical stage I lesions, as the lymphatics from the glans may bypass the superficial nodes to invade the pelvic nodes directly. Finally, it remains to be determined what impact, if any, the improved understanding of penile anatomy will have for the patient with carcinoma of the penis. The extent of dissection, both in partial penectomy and in nodal dissection, deserves careful consideration. Armed with a clearer understanding of the anatomy of the penis, the urologist can choose a plan of surgical treatment wisely.     

Carcinoma in situ of the penis rapidly progressing after carbon dioxide laser treatment

Laser treatment is considered to be effective in treating carcinoma in situ of the penis. We, however, report a case with carcinoma in situ of the penis which developed invasive carcinoma and inguinal lymphnode metastases only 6 months after the laser treatment. A 74-year-old man with pseudophimosis presented with redness of the glans penis. A physical examination revealed thick erythema, 12 millimeters in diameter, around the external urethral meatus. Histologically, biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma in situ. No metastasis was suspected by physical examination and imaging studies. Although the lesion appeared to slightly extend into the urethra, it was primarily treated with the CO2 laser. Six months after the treatment, however, local recurrence was confirmed by the touch smear cytology, resulting in the partial amputation of the penis. The histopathological examination revealed subepithelial and marked lymphatic invasion of the tumor and positive margin in the urethral stump (squamous cell carcinoma in situ). Further, since bilateral superficial inguinal lymphnode swelling appeared, total amputation of the penis with perineal urethrotomy and pelvic/inguinal lymphnode dissection was performed subsequently. The metastases to bilateral inguinal lymphnodes were confirmed histologically. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and has been alive and well without evidence of disease 40 months after the initial treatment.     

Genital treatment of penile carcinoma

Squamous penile carcinoma is an uncommon neoplastic disease with an incidence of one in 100 000 men per year in Western countries. The role of penile-sparing treatment represents one of the three main issues in management of squamous carcinoma of the penis. Most authors consider conservative therapy as an indicated alternative treatment to partial or total penectomy in small size, low stage and grade tumours. At present, external or interstitial beam radiotherapy and lasertherapy represent the best available conservative therapeutic approaches. Another issue is the role of prophylactic inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with negative palpable nodes. An early inguinal lymphadenectomy is indicated especially in patients with a high occult nodal micrometastases risk (G3 and pT2-4). The third point of discussion is represented by the use of chemotherapy in patients with metastatic disease. In this stage of disease, polychemotherapy with cisplatin, methotrexate and bleomycin seems to be more effective. The small number of patients investigated and the rapid evolution of the disease make it extremely difficult to carry out suitable perspective studies.     

Long-term followup of penile carcinoma treated with penectomy and bilateral modified inguinal lymphadenectomy

PURPOSE: We evaluated modified inguinal lymphadenectomy in the treatment of penile carcinoma, analyzing the rate of complications compared to complete inguinal lymphadenectomy, the complications in performing lymphadenectomy and penectomy concomitantly, and the long-term locoregional recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis were clinically assessed, and underwent penectomy and bilateral modified inguinal lymphadenectomy at the same operative time. Frozen section analysis of lymph nodes was performed and if metastases were detected a complete ipsilateral inguinal dissection was performed. RESULTS: A total of 52 modified lymphadenectomies were performed. In 10 procedures lymph node metastasis was present. Clinical staging presented false-positive and false-negative rates of 50% and 7.9%, respectively. The complication rate for modified lymphadenectomy was 38.9% and for complete inguinal lymphadenectomy it was 87.5%. Followup ranged from 5 to 112 months and mean followup of recurrence-free cases was 78 months (range 38 to 112). A total of 18 patients underwent bilateral negative modified inguinal lymphadenectomy and 2 of these experienced locoregional recurrence within 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Modified inguinal lymphadenectomy causes a lower complication rate than complete inguinal lymphadenectomy. Bilateral modified inguinal lymphadenectomy performed at the same time as penectomy does not increase the complication rate. When frozen section analysis is negative bilaterally, 5.5% of inguinal regions might still harbor occult metastasis. Modified inguinal lymphadenectomy is recommended as a staging procedure in all patients with T2-3 penile carcinoma. A straight followup is required for 2 years since all recurrence was within this period.