Inguinal lymphadenectomy for squamous cell cancer of the penis—Experience of a UK supra-regional network

SummaryObjectiveTo present a case series of patients undergoing inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL) for squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the penis within an UK Supra-Regional Network (SRN).Patients and methodsRetrospective case note analysis was undertaken of all patients who underwent IL following referral from the network units across a wide region. Information was cross-referenced from clinician, pathology and hospital episode databases.ResultsA total of 79 modified ILs and 11 radical ILs were performed in 49 patients over 5 years. Metastatic involvement was found in 59.1% of patients. Of these 58.6% were found to have extranodal spread at the time of operation. The finding of extranodal spread significantly impacted upon survival. One year survival rates post IL were 100% for pN0 and pN1, compared with 67% for pN3.Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted and showed a significant difference in survival from primary surgery on log rank comparison between pN0/pN1 and pN3 nodal categories. As in most series, IL has a considerable morbidity rate. No perioperative mortality was seen.ConclusionsThis case series emphasizes the negative prognostic impact of finding extranodal spread (pN3) at IL. In those with unilateral intranodal metastases (pN1), IL is curative for the majority of patients.