Inguinal Dissection Research Articles

Xanthogranulomatous orchitis in an adult Nigerian

Xanthogranulomatous orchitis (XGO) is a rare benign disease of the testis which has not been previously documented in tropical Africa. We report a case of a 24-year-old Nigerian man who presented with a painless left hemiscrotal swelling. Our clinical diagnosis was left testicular cancer. Testicular tumor markers were normal. At surgical exploration, we found a left testicular tumor. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed XGO of the left testis. He had left radical orchiectomy and left inguinal node dissection. He has remained stable 8 months after the treatment. Xanthogranulomatous orchitis cannot be distinguished clinically from testicular cancer unless by histopathological examination. Orchiectomy is the treatment of choice. However, in all patients and particularly young patients and those with a single testis, histopathological confirmation is suggested to avoid unnecessary radical orchiectomy, useless irradiation and ill-timed chemotherapy.

The Effect of Polypropylene Mesh on Ilioinguinal Nerve in Open Mesh Repair of Groin Hernia

Repair of groin hernia is one of the most common operations performed by general surgeons, and mesh repair methods have gained wide acceptance. Chronic pain is the most serious long-term complication that can occur after repair of groin hernia. The development of chronic pain after herniorraphy has been attributed to several mechanisms, including damage to sensory nerves and mesh inguinodynia. Twenty-four rabbits underwent bilateral inguinal dissection and synthetic polypropylene mesh laid on one side. Bilateral inguinal dissection was performed again after 3 months, and samples of nerve tissue were taken from both sides for histological examination. Light microscopic examination of the sections of control group peripheral nerves were in normal appearance, but the nerve fascicles in experimental group operated with mesh showed axonal dilation and mild-to-severe loss of myelinated axons. Examination of semi-thin and ultra-thin sections in control group peripheral nerve fascicles showed normal morphology. Ultrastructural nerve morphology in experimental group operated with mesh exhibited endoneurinal edema with thickening of both endoneurium and perineurium, causing separation of nerve fibers. Myelin sheaths of fibers showed an ondulation toward the axoplasm and the endoneurium. Separation of myelin layers from each other as a prominent feature of myelin degeneration in nerve fibers was also observed. Axoplasms exhibited edema and crystallization. The light microscopic and ultrastructural changes seen in peripheral nerves in experimental group operated with mesh suggested that mechanical compression of peripheral nerves is associated with myelin degeneration, endoneurinal and perineurial edema, fibrosis, axonal loss, and edema that may cause peripheral neuropathy. Chronic groin pain after hernia repair can be possibly caused by the entrapment of peripheral nerves in the scar tissue formed by the mesh.

Groin reconstruction after inguinal block dissection

Inguinal block dissection is a necessary component in the treatment of certain cancers. Cancer of the penis is not an uncommon malignancy in the Indian subcontinent and while no one questions the treatment of the primary lesion, the need to remove the inguinal lymph glands concurrently, remains a matter of great controversy. Never the less, the survival of patients with penile cancer depends solely on the presence or absence of metastasis to the inguinal lymph nodes. The hesitation in offering inguinal lymph node dissection in every case is significantly related to the morbidity of the procedure in an attempt to reduce these complications, skin flaps can be used to cover the groin. This article looks at various flaps that can be used in groin reconstruction.

The Shouldice technique for the treatment of inguinal hernia

The Shouldice repair has been refined over several decades and is the gold standard for the prosthesisfree treatment of inguinal hernias. A recurrence rate around 1% has been consistently demonstrated over the years. The objective of this paper is to outline and highlight the key principles, including the dedicated pre-operative preparation, the use of local anesthesia, a complete inguinal dissection and the eponymous four-layered reconstruction. A knowledge and understanding of inguinal hernia anatomy and the patho-physiology of recurrence are vital to achieving a long-term success and patient satisfaction for a pure tissue repair.

A rare association of synchronous intraductal carcinoma of the breast and invasive carcinoma of ectopic breast tissue of the vulva: case report and literature review

Only 17 cases of breast carcinoma arising in vulvar ectopic mammary tissue have been reported. We present a unique case of synchronous pure intraductal carcinoma of the breast (DCIS) and invasive carcinoma of ectopic breast tissue of the vulva. A 53-year-old woman presented with a 2-cm nodule in left labium major of the vulva. A surgical biopsy revealed an invasive carcinoma of ectopic mammary tissue. The mammography showed irregular microcalcifications of the right breast. The patient underwent left hemivulvectomy, bilateral inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy, and radioguided breast resection (radioguided occult lesion localization) of the microcalcifications. The definitive histology revealed negative inguinal sentinel nodes, no further residual tumor in the vulva, and a high-grade (grade 3) DCIS in the breast. The synchronous occurrence of primary breast carcinoma and ectopic breast tissue carcinoma in the vulva is an extremely rare finding, only once previously being reported and leading to unsolved problems of differential diagnosis. The presence of a pure DCIS of the breast makes this case really unique, definitively confirming the independent primary origin of both mammary tumors. The inguinal sentinel node biopsy avoided a bilateral inguinal dissection.

A rare association of synchronous intraductal carcinoma of the breast and invasive carcinoma of ectopic breast tissue of the vulva: case report and literature review

Only 17 cases of breast carcinoma arising in vulvar ectopic mammary tissue have been reported. We present a unique case of synchronous pure intraductal carcinoma of the breast (DCIS) and invasive carcinoma of ectopic breast tissue of the vulva. A 53-year-old woman presented with a 2-cm nodule in left labium major of the vulva. A surgical biopsy revealed an invasive carcinoma of ectopic mammary tissue. The mammography showed irregular microcalcifications of the right breast. The patient underwent left hemivulvectomy, bilateral inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy, and radioguided breast resection (radioguided occult lesion localization) of the microcalcifications. The definitive histology revealed negative inguinal sentinel nodes, no further residual tumor in the vulva, and a high-grade (grade 3) DCIS in the breast. The synchronous occurrence of primary breast carcinoma and ectopic breast tissue carcinoma in the vulva is an extremely rare finding, only once previously being reported and leading to unsolved problems of differential diagnosis. The presence of a pure DCIS of the breast makes this case really unique, definitively confirming the independent primary origin of both mammary tumors. The inguinal sentinel node biopsy avoided a bilateral inguinal dissection.

Complications and local recurrence following lymphadenectomy

We have retrospectively reviewed the case notes of 208 patients undergoing either cervical, axillary, or inguinal lymphadenectomy with a view to determining the factors that predispose to complications and local recurrence. The most frequent complications were wound infection, seroma formation, paraesthesiae and lymphoedema. The main predisposing factor for complications was anatomical site; wound complications occur with twice the frequency in the inguinal lymphadenectomy group than in the two other sites. Preresection biopsy was also associated with an almost twofold increase in complications, while fine needle aspiration cytology was not. The two major factors influencing the incidence of local recurrence were the stage of the disease process and the use of preresection biopsy. There was a steady increase in the incidence of local recurrence with increasing stage of regional disease. In addition, local recurrence was almost twice as common in patients who had undergone biopsy before resection when compared with patients who either did not have tissue sampling before resection or had fine needle aspiration cytology alone. We conclude that fine needle aspiration cytology is safe and the investigation of choice in patients undergoing lymphadenectomy. In contrast, preresection biopsy should be avoided as it promotes both complications and local recurrence. In addition, wound complications and lymphoedema are frequent following lymphadenectomy, especially following inguinal dissection.

Inguinal versus subinguinal varicocele vein ligation using magnifying loupe under local anesthesia: Which technique is preferable in clinical practice?

Objectives To compare the intraoperative results of inguinal versus subinguinal varicocelectomy using magnifying loupe, in terms of vein ligation and arterial preservation, recurrence rate, and patient tolerability. Methods Ninety-nine patients were randomized to undergo a varicocele repair with an inguinal or a subinguinal approach under local anesthesia. Data concerning the number of veins ligated and arterial preservation were recorded during each procedure. The amount of intraoperative and postoperative pain was assessed by means of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. The recurrence rate was documented by color Doppler ultrasound examination. Results The average number of ligated veins was 5.6 with a subinguinal dissection and 4.4 with the inguinal approach. Inadvertent injury of the spermatic artery occurred in 6 of 47 subinguinal and 3 of 50 inguinal dissections; the artery could not be identified during 2 subinguinal and 1 inguinal dissection. Recurrent varicocele was detected in 8% and 14.9% of patients after an inguinal and a subinguinal approach, respectively. The intraoperative VAS score was significantly higher in the inguinal than in the subinguinal patients ( P = 0.008). Conclusions In our hands, the inguinal approach to the spermatic cord showed a trend toward an easier preservation of the artery and a reduced incidence of persistent pathologic vein reflux. The subinguinal approach had a lower degree of intraoperative pain. On the whole, an inguinal repair might be preferable when magnifying loupe are used for varicocelectomy.

Uncommon content in groin hernia sac

Groin hernia may have very unusual sac content. Vermiform appendix, acute appendicitis, ovary, fallopian tube and urinary bladder have been rarely reported. We aimed to present our experience with these unusual hernia contents. Records of 1,950 groin hernia patients were retrospectively analyzed. Vermiform appendix was found in 0.51% and acute appendicitis was found in 0.10% of groin hernia sacs. The incidence of appendix in femoral hernia was 5%, while inguinal hernia sac contained ovary and fallopian tube in 2.9% of the cases. The incidence of groin hernias containing urinary bladder was 0.36%. We also had 1 patient with incarcerated bladder diverticula in an indirect hernia sac. Iatrogenic bladder injury occurred in 2 patients. Although rare, a groin hernia sac may contain vermiform appendix and exceptionally acute appendicitis. Tubal and ovarian herniation in inguinal hernias can be found in adult and perimenopausal women with an incidence as high as in children. Urinary bladder hernia occurs with a similar incidence of tuba-ovarian hernia, however, it requires special attention because of a high risk of iatrogenic bladder injury during the inguinal dissection. Every effort should be made to preserve the organ found in hernia sac for an uneventful postoperative period.

Preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced carcinoma of the vulva

Objective. A twice daily (BID) radiation treatment schedule (interval of 4–6 h) delivered concurrent with chemotherapy for advanced or critically located carcinoma of the vulva was modeled on the schema developed by the Gynecology Oncology Group (GOG). Inguinal nodes were included in the treatment fields even if clinically negative. This review analyzed the outcomes using this approach. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted of the records of 18 patients with vulvar cancer. Patients were treated with a modified GOG schema using 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and cisplatin with BID radiation treatments during the first and last weeks of treatment and seven daily radiation treatments in between. The regional nodes and primary tumor were prescribed 44.6 Gy. Resection of the primary tumor bed and inguinal dissection was planned at 4–6 weeks post-treatment. Clinical and pathological responses as well as locoregional control and toxicity were assessed. Results. All patients responded. There were 13/18 complete clinical responses (cCR), of whom 12 remained NED at 25 months. Of the five partial clinical response (cPR) patients, two have suffered local recurrences, despite surgical resection in one and electron boost in the other. All patients developed a desquamative perineal skin reaction necessitating a mean treatment break of 15 days. No severe hematological toxicity was encountered, and only one patient had grade 3 small bowel toxicity. One patient required surgical debridement for groin wound breakdown. Conclusion. The use of BID chemoradiation resulted in complete or partial responses in all cases. Post-treatment groin dissection can be performed without significant post-operative complications.

Laparoscopic mobilization of testicular vessels: an adjunctive step in orchidopexy for impalpable and redo undescended testis in children

The testicular position after conventional inguinal orchidopexy for canalicular, "peeping" and redo undescended testes may not be satisfactory despite retroperitoneal dissection. Laparoscopy allows extensive mobilization of testicular vessels to gain additional length. We review our experience of using laparoscopic mobilization of testicular vessels (LMTV) in orchidopexy for these difficult undescended testes. From January 2003 to May 2004, LMTV was performed in 18 boys. The testicular vessels were mobilized from just proximal to the internal inguinal ring to the level of caecum and sigmoid colon respectively. Fifteen patients had clinically impalpable testes. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed 13 "peeping" and 2 canalicular testes. LMTV was performed together with inguinal orchidopexy. There were three cases of redo orchidopexies because of unfavourable testicular position after previous surgery. LMTV was performed following inguinal dissection. The median follow-up period is 11.7 months. Sixteen testes are located at the base of scrotum, and two at mid-scrotum. The size is normal in 17 testes, whereas 1 testis is smaller than the contralateral one. LMTV is a safe and efficient adjunctive step in orchidopexy for impalpable and redo undescended testes.

Invasão linfática clinicamente não detectável do câncer vulvar

To assess the neoplastic invasion of superficial and deep inguinal lymph nodes of women with invasive vulvar squamous carcinoma smaller than 5 centimeters with a clinically normal inguinal region. the medical records of 59 women cared at the State University of Campinas with invasive vulvar squamous carcinoma T1 and T2 and who presented clinically normal inguinal regions (N0) were reviewed. Clinical characteristics of both tumor and patients were evaluated as well as the follow-up data. Odds ratios and Fisher's Exact Test were used to assess the correlations between the invasion of inguinal lymph nodes and tumor size, grade, relapses and clinical complications. Confidence limits of 95% were used. Age of the patients ranged from 34 to 91 years (mean 67 years), and follow-up time ranged from 3 days (peri-operatory death) to 252 months (mean 27 months). Clinically, 22 (37%) women had lesions T1 lesions and 37 (63%) T2. Histological analysis showed unilateral lymphatic invasion in six (10%) women and bilateral in three (5%). There was no significant association between tumor size and lymph node invasion. Also, pathologic tumor size and grade were not associated with lymph node neoplastic involvement. Relapses and late complications were not correlated with lymph node neoplastic invasion. Superficial and deep inguinal dissection disclosed clinically undetectable lymph node neoplastic invasion, although tumor size and histological grade, relapses and late complications were not associated with node involvement.

LONG-TERM FOLLOWUP OF PENILE CARCINOMA TREATED WITH PENECTOMY AND BILATERAL MODIFIED INGUINAL LYMPHADENECTOMY

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. 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. 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. 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.

Surgical Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis.

Without treatment, patients with metastatic tumor will die of their disease; no spontaneous remission of penile carcinoma has been reported. Therapy of such metastases, however, is prone to complications and frequently results in unpleasant side-effects: penile and scrotal lyphedema and substantial edema of the lower limbs. Given the high risk of such complications, one of the challenges of managing patients with penile cancers has been to determine which patients will benefit from inguinal dissection while avoiding unnecessary inguinal lymphadenectomies in patients without metastatic disease. The selection of those patients who should undergo ilioinguinal groin surgery has been an area of controversy for many years. However, an improved understanding of the natural history of penile carcinoma now permits a systematic and effective approach to management of these patients, based on the stage and grade of the primary penile lesion coupled with the status of the inguinal nodes at the time of diagnosis. 4,5,6

Intraoperative Varicocele Anatomy: A Microscopic Study of the Inguinal Versus Subinguinal Approach

The groin approach to varicocelectomy is performed by an inguinal (aponeurosis of external oblique opened) or subinguinal (external oblique aponeurosis intact) technique. We describe the number and relationship of internal and external spermatic arteries, veins and lymphatics within the subinguinal portion of the spermatic cord in infertile men undergoing microscopic varicocelectomy and compare these findings to the microanatomy observed with the inguinal approach. A total of 48 consecutive patients underwent 84 microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomies during which the detailed intraoperative microanatomy of the spermatic cord and gubernacula was recorded. These observations were compared with a previously reported group of 83 consecutive patients that underwent 115 inguinal varicocelectomies. Subinguinal microscopic findings were also evaluated relative to clinical varicocele grade. The spermatic cord in the subinguinal dissection was characterized by a smaller number of large (greater than 5 mm) internal spermatic veins and a greater number of small (less than 2 mm) internal spermatic veins than the cord in the inguinal dissection (mean 0.4 vs 1.9 large veins and mean 7.9 vs 4.7 small veins, respectively). The subinguinal dissection was also characterized by a significantly greater percentage of external spermatic veins greater than 2 mm than that observed during inguinal dissection (93% vs 74%, respectively, p <0.05). Multiple spermatic arteries were identified in 75% of subinguinal dissections and in only 31% of inguinal dissections (p <0.03). Internal spermatic arteries were surrounded by a dense complex of adherent veins in 95% of cases using the subinguinal approach, whereas this finding was true in only 30% of cases with the inguinal approach (p <0.001). The clinical grade of a varicocele was significantly associated with the number of internal spermatic veins greater than 2 mm found intraoperatively (p <0.001) but not with the maximum internal spermatic vein diameter. Although the subinguinal approach to microsurgical varicocelectomy obviates the need to open the aponeurosis of the external oblique, it is associated with a greater number of internal spermatic veins and arteries compared with the inguinal approach. The primary branch point for the testicular artery occurs most commonly during its course through the inguinal canal. Internal spermatic arteries at the subinguinal level are more than 3 times as likely to be surrounded by a dense network of adherent veins than when they are identified at the inguinal level. Taken together, these data suggest that microscopic dissection is more difficult with a subinguinal incision.

Impact of Inguinal Dissection on Prognosis of Early-Stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva – a Retrospective Analysis

Background: Inclusion of inguinal lymphadenectomy in the surgical procedure is a potential prognostic factor for squamous cell vulvar carcinoma. Patients and Methods: A total of 33 women with early-stage squamous cell vulvar carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. Before the establishment of FIGO criteria in 1983, 17 patients with stage I and 2 patients with stage II were evaluated clinically without inguinal lymphadenectomy. All patients underwent post-operative radiotherapy with a median dose of 45 Gy to the pelvis (vulva included) and boost dose to the vulva ranging from 10 to 20 Gy. Factors assessed for prognostic value included age, inguinal lymph node dissection, differentiation grade, and total irradiation dose to the vulva and pelvis. Results: The log-rank test and the univariate regression analysis revealed that all above factors except irradiation dose decreased the overall survival. In the multivariate regression analysis, differentiation grade and the absence of inguinal dissection were independent predictors for decreased survival with a relative risk up to 2.6 (95% CI = 1.3, 5.6) and 2.7 (95% CI = 1.31, 5.44), respectively. Conclusion: Clinical evaluation of inguinal lymph node involvement is inadequate and node dissection is definitely the only appropriate surgical procedure for vulvar carcinoma.

Pathologic evaluation of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes in vulvar cancer patients: a comparison of immunohistochemical staining versus ultrastaging with hematoxylin and eosin staining

Objective To evaluate the value of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) found to be negative for metastatic disease by ultrastaging with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Methods An IRB approved study identified 29 patients who had undergone an inguinal sentinel lymph node dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. All sentinel lymph nodes found to be negative for metastatic disease based on ultrastaging with H&E staining were reevaluated with pancytokeratin antibody (AE1/AE3) immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to detect micrometastasis. Results Twenty-nine patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva underwent an inguinal sentinel node dissection. Nineteen patients had inguinal dissections negative for metastatic disease, 2 patients had bilateral inguinal metastasis, and 8 patients had unilateral inguinal metastasis. A total of 42 groin dissections with SLN biopsies were performed; 12 groins were positive for metastatic disease and 30 were negative based on ultrastaging with eosin and hematoxylin staining. A total of 107 sentinel lymph nodes (2.5 SLN per groin) were obtained, of which 18 SLN contained metastatic disease identified by ultrastaging and staining with H&E. Two SLN contained micrometastasis less than 0.3mm in size and 16 SLN contained metastasis greater than 2mm in size. Eighty-nine SLN found to be negative for metastasis by ultrastaging with H&E staining were also negative for micrometastasis on evaluation with pancytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3 IHC staining. Conclusion The addition of immunohistochemical staining to ultrastaging with H&E staining in the pathologic evaluation of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes does not increase the detection of micrometastasis in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

Pathologic evaluation of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes in vulvar cancer patients: a comparison of immunohistochemical staining versus ultrastaging with hematoxylin and eosin staining

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate the value of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) found to be negative for metastatic disease by ultrastaging with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. <h3>Methods</h3> An IRB approved study identified 29 patients who had undergone an inguinal sentinel lymph node dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. All sentinel lymph nodes found to be negative for metastatic disease based on ultrastaging with H&E staining were reevaluated with pancytokeratin antibody (AE1/AE3) immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to detect micrometastasis. <h3>Results</h3> Twenty-nine patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva underwent an inguinal sentinel node dissection. Nineteen patients had inguinal dissections negative for metastatic disease, 2 patients had bilateral inguinal metastasis, and 8 patients had unilateral inguinal metastasis. A total of 42 groin dissections with SLN biopsies were performed; 12 groins were positive for metastatic disease and 30 were negative based on ultrastaging with eosin and hematoxylin staining. A total of 107 sentinel lymph nodes (2.5 SLN per groin) were obtained, of which 18 SLN contained metastatic disease identified by ultrastaging and staining with H&E. Two SLN contained micrometastasis less than 0.3mm in size and 16 SLN contained metastasis greater than 2mm in size. Eighty-nine SLN found to be negative for metastasis by ultrastaging with H&E staining were also negative for micrometastasis on evaluation with pancytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3 IHC staining. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The addition of immunohistochemical staining to ultrastaging with H&E staining in the pathologic evaluation of inguinal sentinel lymph nodes does not increase the detection of micrometastasis in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

Recurrent Undescended Testes

Failure of primary orchiopexy for undescended testis is a relatively uncommon occurrence. Redo orchiopexy is a technically challenging procedure with a high rate of success. Prevention of recurrent undescended testis can be achieved with the application of the basic surgical principles of (1) extensive proximal cord mobilization, (2) careful inguinal dissection, and (3) secure intrascrotal gonadal fixation without tension. Secondary or redo orchiopexy requires an experienced pediatric subspecialty surgeon (pediatric or urologic), detailed anatomic knowledge, meticulous operative technique, magnification and delicate instrumentation, injury-free cord dissection, full proximal retroperitoneal cord mobilization, and tension-free intrascrotal fixation. En bloc cord dissection, cord transposition below the deep inferior epigastric vessels, and inguinal cordopexy are helpful adjuncts to reoperative orchiopexy. Successful correction of recurrent undescended testis should approach 95%.

Sentinel node identification and the ability to detect metastatic tumor to inguinal lymph nodes in squamous cell cancer of the vulva

Objectives The goal of this study was to identify one or more inguinal sentinel nodes in patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva and to determine the ability of the sentinel node to predict metastasis to the inguinal lymphatic basin. Methods Techniques employing technetium-99m (Tc-99m) sulfur colloid and isosulfan blue dye were utilized to identify sentinel nodes in the inguinal lymphatic beds. Technetium-99m sulfur colloid was injected intradermally at the tumor margins 90–180 min preoperatively followed by a similar injection of isosulfan blue dye 5–10 min before the groin dissection. A handheld collimated gamma counter was employed to identify Tc-99m-labeled sentinel nodes. Lymphatic tracts that had taken up blue dye and their corresponding sentinel node were also identified and retrieved. A completion inguinal dissection was then performed. Each sentinel node was labeled as hot and blue, hot and nonblue, or cold and blue. The sentinel nodes were subjected to pathologic examination with step sections and nonsentinel nodes were evaluated in the standard fashion. Results Twenty-one patients with a median age of 79 were entered onto protocol and a total of 31 inguinal node dissections were performed. A sentinel node was identified in 31/31 (100%) groin dissections with the use of Tc-99m. Isosulfan blue dye identified a sentinel node in 19/31 (61%) groin dissections. Surgical staging revealed 7 patients with stage I disease, 5 with stage II disease, 5 with stage III disease, and 4 with stage IV disease. Lymph nodes in 9 groin dissections were found to have metastatic disease, and in 4 of these dissections, the sentinel node was the only positive node. Lymph nodes in 22 groin dissections had no evidence of metastasis. No false-negative sentinel lymph nodes were obtained (sentinel node negative and a nonsentinel node positive). Conclusion Tc-99m sulfur colloid is superior to isosulfan blue dye in the detection of sentinel nodes in inguinal dissections of patients with vulvar cancer. A sentinel node dissection utilizing Tc-99m alone can identify a sentinel node in all inguinal dissections. Pathologic examination with step sections has shown the sentinel node to be an accurate predictor of metastatic disease to the inguinal nodal chain.