Inguinofemoral Node Dissection Research Articles

Sentinel Lymph Node Evaluation in Early-Stage Vulvar Cancer.

Sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) and dissection (SLND) should be used as an alternative to full inguinofemoral lymph node dissection (IFLND) in select patients with early-stage vulvar cancer. IFLND is associated with high postoperative complications such as wound breakdown, lymphedema, lymphocyst formation, and infection. SLND in select patients offers a safe, effective, and less morbid alternative. Candidates for SLND include patients with a unifocal vulvar tumor less than four centimeters, clinically negative lymph nodes, and no prior inguinofemoral surgeries. SLND should ideally be performed by a high-volume SLN surgeon. Most commonly, SLND is performed using both radiocolloid lymphoscintigraphy (e.g., Technetium-99) and a visual tracer such as blue dye; however, near infrared imaging with indocyanine green injection is becoming more widely adopted. Further prospective studies are needed to examine the safety and efficacy of various techniques for SLND. SLND has been demonstrated to be cost-effective, especially when including perioperative complications. Further studies are needed to demonstrate quality of life differences between IFLND and SLND.

Time to extend the indication for sentinel node biopsy in vulvar cancer? Results from a prospective nationwide Swedish study

ObjectiveTo assess detection rates and negative predictive values of sentinel node biopsy in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma with tumors ≥4 cm, multifocal tumors, and in locally recurrent disease.MethodsBetween December 2019...

Selective Removal of Only Clinically Suspicious Positive Lymph Nodes Instead of a Complete Inguino-Femoral Lymph Node Dissection in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva.

The oncological safety of only removing bulky, positive groin lymph nodes followed by radiotherapy without performing a complete inguino-femoral node dissection (IFL) in squamous cell cancer of the vulva is based on two small studies. The aim of this study was to confirm the oncological safety of this treatment policy. The survival of consecutive patients with clinically suspicious and pathologically positive groin nodes treated with the selective removal of these nodes followed by radiotherapy was compared with the survival in historical controls matched for the variables extranodal spread and diameter of the metastasis > 15 mm and treated with a complete IFL. There was no difference in disease-specific survival between patients treated with debulking (n = 40) versus complete IFL (n = 37) (43.1% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.336, respectively). Overall, survival and groin recurrence-free survival did not differ between the groups either. This retrospective study in a cohort of women with vulvar cancer corroborates previous smaller studies that have shown that the selective removal of suspicious inguinal nodes yields similar oncological outcomes compared with patients matched for important prognostic variables and treated with a complete IFL when both are followed by radiotherapy.

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy for vaginal malignant melanoma with cervical metastasis

The presented case is a 63-years-old multiparous woman admitted with the complaint of postmenopausal bleeding. On gynecologic examination multifocal lesions were detected, including 1 cm on lateral vaginal wall, 4 cm on posterior vaginal wall and 0.5 cm on the left lateral part of the cervix. Histopathology examination gave a diagnosis of epithelioid malignant melanoma. Consequently, laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy with bilateral pelvic and inguinofemoral lymph node dissection were planned. On both sides, pararectal and paravesical spaces were created and the ureter was identified. Then, the vesicouterine and vesicovaginal spaces were developed. Uterine artery and superior vesical artery were coagulated, cut and the lateral parametrium was prepared. The left ureter was dissected and the ureteral tunnel was unroofed up to the bladder entrance. Subsequently, the anterolateral parametrium was transected. Then, the infundibulopelvic and sacrouterine ligaments were sealed and transected. At this time, the rectovaginal space was developed. Bilateral paracolpos were transected. The endopelvic fascia with the levator muscles were sealed and cut circumferentially. Anteriorly, the pubovesicocervical fascia was transected and the bladder was mobilized up to the uretrovesical junction. Thereafter, through a vaginal approach, the cervix and vagina were inverted by grasping the cervix with a tenaculum. An incision on the posterior vaginal wall at the introitus was made and the urogenital diaphragm was dissected to connect with the pelvic cavity. The vaginal entrance was cut circumferentially and the surgical specimen was extracted. In conclusion, laparoscopy can be considered as a feasible approach for radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy in selected patients.

Association of hospital-level factors with utilization of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early-stage vulvar cancer

ObjectiveTo evaluate utilization of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for early-stage vulvar cancer at minority-serving hospitals and low-volume facilities. MethodsBetween 2012-2018, individuals with T1b vulvar squamous cell carcinoma were identified using the National Cancer Database. Patient, facility, and disease characteristics were compared between patients undergoing SLNB or inguinofemoral lymph node dissection (IFLD). Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for patient, facility, and disease characteristics, was used to evaluate factors associated with SLNB. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis using log rank test and Cox regression was performed. ResultsOf the 3,532 patients, 2,406 (68.1%) underwent lymph node evaluation, with 1,704 (48.2%) undergoing IFLD and 702 (19.8%) SLNB. In a multivariable analysis, treatment at minority-serving hospitals (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19–0.78) and low-volume hospitals (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28–0.70) were associated with significantly lower odds of undergoing SLNB compared to receiving care at non-minority-serving and high-volume hospitals, respectively. While SLNB utilization increased over time for the entire cohort and stratified subgroups, use of the procedure did not increase at minority-serving hospitals. After controlling for patient and tumor characteristics, SLNB was not associated with worse OS compared to IFLD in patients with positive (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.63–1.66) or negative (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.70–1.21) nodal pathology. ConclusionsFor patients with early-stage vulvar cancer, treatment at minority-serving or low-volume hospitals was associated with significantly decreased odds of undergoing SLNB. Future efforts should be concentrated toward ensuring that all patients have access to advanced surgical techniques regardless of where they receive their care.

Superficial lymphatic drainage of the vulva and its relation to the regional nodes: an experimental study.

Sentinel node biopsy in vulvar cancer is associated with much less morbidity than inguinofemoral node dissection. Our study focused on describing the morphology of superficial lymphatic drainage of the vulva and its relationship to regional nodes, which may facilitate orientation during surgery. In 24 female cadavers, injections of patent blue (at various localisations medially, unilaterally and bilaterally) were used to visualise the lymphatic drainage of the vulva. After dissection of lymphatic vessels and nodes, their course was documented by photograph and then analysed. Subsequently, a map of vulvar superficial lymphatics was created. The cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue of the vulva primarily drained to superficial inguinal nodes. There was no evidence of a solitary lymph node that drained the unilateral vulva. Each area of the vulva drained to its own lymph node, which was variably localised in the subcutaneous groin around the great saphenous vein. Anastomoses between individual inguinal superficial lymph nodes are likely. Right-left symmetry in the course of lymphatic collectors was not detected. Natural drainage of the medial and paramedial areas to contralateral inguinal nodes was also not detected. The drainage pattern to ipsilateral inguinal nodes was consistent in cadavers without evidence of vulvar disease and may be applicable in the early stages of vulvar cancer. There was no evidence of a solitary node that drained the unilateral vulva. Each part of the vulva may drain to a corresponding lymph node in a different localisation of the groin. The surgeon should take this variability into account.

The value of preoperative FDG PET/CT in detecting groin metastases in vulvar cancer patients

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in detecting groin Lymph Node (LN) metastases in newly diagnosed vulvar cancer patients. Methods: In the period 01.01.2014 to 31.12.2018, we retrospectively collected data by reviewing the medical record of 237 patients with diagnosed vulvar cancer referred to Aarhus University Hospital. In the study, 108 patients were included for final analysis. Inclusion criteria was that all women should have histology from the groin with either Inguinofemoral Lymph Node (IFLN) dissection, Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) procedure or Ultrasound (US)-guided biopsy. In addition, all included patients underwent FDG PET/CT for primary staging of vulvar cancer before operation. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive and Negative Predictive Values (PPV and NPV) in predicting LN metastases were calculated in the overall study population. Results from FDG PET/CT were compared with histopathology as reference standard. Results: All included women underwent a standardized patient investigation program. This included a thorough gynecological examination, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and FDG PET/CT scan. We found that PET/CT had a sensitivity of 90.9% (95% CI 70.8-98.9%), specificity of 67.4% (95% CI 56.5-77.2%), PPV of 41.7% (95%CI 27.6-56.8%) and a NPV of 96.7% (95% CI 88.5-99.6%). Conclusion: In this relatively large single-center study, we found that FDG PET/CT has a high sensitivity and a high NPV in detecting LN metastasis in the groin. This supports, that FDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging modality in the management of vulvar cancer patients.

612P Sentinel lymph node detection and accuracy in vulvar cancer: Meta-analysis and systemic review

Based on previous publication including RCTs and meta-analysis, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in women with early vulvar cancer is considered as a safe and effective procedure which is alternative to inguinofemoral lymph node dissection. However, near infrared imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) injection has emerged recently. Moreover, meta-analysis has not been updated for six years. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of SLN biopsy in vulval cancer.

VEGF-D Serum Level as a Potential Predictor of Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

BackgroundRadical surgical resection of the primary tumor with mono/bilateral inguinofemoral lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for invasive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) and is frequently related to severe morbidity. Tailoring surgical treatment is of paramount importance, and a comprehensive preoperative evaluation is mandatory. Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) is considered a regulator of lymphangiogenesis involved in tumor spread via lymphatic vessels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of VEGF-D in the prediction of inguinofemoral lymph node metastasis.MethodsWe analyzed the preoperative levels of serum VEGF-D (sVEGF-D) from two independent cohorts of patients with VSCC by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and its protein expression on tumor tissue by immunohistochemistry. Logistic regression was performed to identify the independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis, and Cox proportional hazard model was used for survival analysis.ResultsHigh levels of sVEGF-D, but not tissue VEGF-D, significantly correlated with positive groin nodes and a more advanced International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) stage. In multivariable analysis, a high sVEGF-D level was an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis and worse prognosis. A prediction model based on sVEGF-D, tumor grade assessed on biopsy, tumor diameter, and lymph node clinical evaluation was able to predict lymph node metastasis, reaching C-index values of 0.79 and 0.73 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively.ConclusionsThe preoperative sVEGF-D level might be a reliable biomarker for the prediction of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in patients with VSCC, supporting better clinical/surgical decision. Multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Vessel-preserving en-bloc excision of groin recurrence of vulval carcinoma with tensor fasciae latae flap reconstruction in a previously irradiated field

Objectives: Groin node dissection for recurrent vulval cancer in a previously irradiated field presents many surgical challenges - risk of vascular involvement, ill-defined planes and poor tissue quality for closure and healing. Our case demonstrates the feasibility of surgical management and value of flap reconstruction in managing disease relapse in such patients. Methods: We present the surgical approach to recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) vulva in a patient who has undergone previous radical radiotherapy to the site of relapse. Download : Download high-res image (268KB) Download : Download full-size image Results: In 2019 - a 70 year old lady underwent radical vulvectomy and left gluteal fold flap reconstruction, followed by radical radiotherapy and concomitant cisplatin for stage IIIc SCC vulva. A total of 12 months later, the patient presented with a clinically palpable, fixed left groin swelling. Imaging confirmed an FDG-avid 2.6 x 4.2 centimetre (cm) partially necrotic left inguinal lymph node, engulfing the femoral vessels. The patient was counselled pre-operatively by both gynae-oncology and plastic surgery – offering surgical excision of this single site recurrence, anticipating the need for further flap reconstruction for wound closure. Additional challenges included body mass index (BMI) of over 40 kilograms/metre2 and chronic candida of the abdominal pannus. Joint examination under anaesthetic by gynae-oncology and plastic surgery confirmed no vulval recurrence and no palpable right groin nodes. Left thigh perforator vessels were identified and marked using doppler. An 8.6 x 3.1cm elliptical incision was made around the fixed underlying node; and systematic inguino-femoral lymph node dissection performed using both bipolar scissors and an advanced energy device. An en-bloc specimen measuring 6.6 x 3.1 x 6.1cm was obtained. The femoral artery and vein were identified; and long saphenous vein preserved. Wound closure was achieved by raising an 18 x 8cm tensor fasciae latae (TFL) islanded flap, rotating and anchoring into place. Postoperatively, the patient was managed jointly under gynae-oncology and plastic surgery. Intravenous antibiotics, anti-fungals and thromboprophylaxis were given. The patient was advised to avoid sitting for 2 weeks. Drain outputs were monitored; and drains removed day 14. A small area of wound dehiscence occurred along the inferior border of the groin flap – which was healing well by secondary intention at the time of 4 week post-operative review, without need for further management. Final histopathology confirmed excised metastatic SCC, with a plan for ongoing surveillance arranged. Conclusions: In patients having undergone previous radiotherapy - surgery remains the main therapeutic option for recurrence. Undertaking such surgery, however, in a previously irradiated field - with altered anatomy and compromised perfusion - significantly increases the risk of inadvertent vessel or nerve injury and wound breakdown. We have demonstrated an approach, however, in an obese patient that achieved disease clearance through meticulous dissection, achieving wound closure and healing by incorporating TFL flap reconstruction.

Technique for inguino-femoral lymph node dissection in vulvar cancer: an international survey

BackgroundVulvar cancer is a rare disease and despite broad adoption of sentinel lymph node mapping to assess groin metastases, inguino-femoral lymph node dissection still plays a role in the management...

Sentinel lymph node in vulvar cancer.

Lymph node removal as a part of surgical management is a standard of care in vulvar cancer patients. Due to patient morbidities and difficulties in treatment of inguinal healing after lymph nodes removal, lymphatic mapping has emerged as an increasingly popular option over the past few years. At this time several different techniques have been described and variety of different dyes were used. In addition, an important aspect of the use of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique is the removal of a limited number of lymph nodes, which allows more detailed pathological examination. Moreover, the interpretation of pathological ultra-staging of SLNs, which can identify low-volume metastases for which the clinical significance and the ideal management, remain uncertain. Despite differences in techniques and dyes used, this minimally invasive procedure is currently recommended as an alternative to full inguinofemoral lymph node dissection in selected cases by all major international societies. As for now SLN concept became a standard of care in vulvar cancer. This technique, though simple as a concept, requires a learning curve and should only be used in expert centers. This article provides a review on literature on SLN technique in vulvar cancer, current recommendations and future lines of investigation.

Complication rates and lymph node count between two different skin incisions at time of inguino-femoral lymph node dissection in vulvar cancer

IntroductionInguino-femoral lymph node dissection plays a crucial role in the management of vulvar cancer. The procedure is associated with high complication rates, including infection, lymphocysts/lymphoedema and wound dehiscence. Several skin...

Surgical Management of Carcinoma Vulva-Case Series and Review of Literature.

The objective of this study was to study the risk factors, management protocols, and the outcome of vulvar cancer cases over a period of 2years in a tertiary care hospital. This is a case series of early-stage vulvar cancer in the Department of Surgical Oncology in BL Kapur Superspeciality Hospital from Jan 2016 to date. Five patients with histologically proven diagnosis of early-stage vulvar cancer were included. The mean age for the diagnosis of vulvar cancer was 58years and the peak incidence was seen in postmenopausal age group. All of the cases were squamous cell carcinomas in stage IB except one which was a basisquamous variant. All cases were treated primarily with surgery and vulvar flap reconstruction. Adjuvant therapy was not given in any case. Cases were followed from 6months to date, and no recurrence noted. The limitations of the study were rarity of disease and less number of cases. As all the cases in our study were in early stage of disease (stages I and II), surgical treatment in the form of modified radical vulvectomy with B/L inguinofemoral lymph node dissection and oncoplastic procedure was the treatment modality chosen for all the patients.

No. 370-Management of Squamous Cell Cancer of the Vulva.

This guideline reviews the clinical evaluation and management of squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the vulva with respect to diagnosis, primary surgical, radiation, or chemotherapy management and need for adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Other vulvar cancer pathologic diagnoses are not included in the guideline. The first part of this document which includes recommendations 1 through 3 is for general gynaecologists, obstetricians, family doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, residents, and health care providers with a focus on the presentation, diagnosis, and updated information about surgical procedures performed by subspecialists. The surgical management and treatment of advanced vulvar cancer are intended for gynaecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists who treat these complex patients. This guideline is intended to provide information for interested parties who may follow these patients once treatment is complete. Adult women (18 years and older) with SCC of the vulva. Excluded from these guidelines are women with preinvasive disease. Women diagnosed with SCC of the vulva should be referred to a gynaecologic oncologist for initial evaluation, consideration for primary surgery and inguinal lymph node assessment, and potentially adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. All cases of vulvar cancer should have access to discussion at a multidisciplinary cancer case conference. Women who would otherwise require radical surgery such as abdominal-perineal resection or exenterative procedures may be considered for primary treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy. For this guideline, relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Systematic Reviews using the following terms, either alone or in combination, with the search limited to English language materials: vulva, vulvar cancer, inguinofemoral lymph node dissection, sentinel nodes, systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neoadjuvant, adjuvant, primary, exenteration, survival, follow up. The initial search was performed in September 2016 with a final literature search in May 2017. Relevant evidence was selected for inclusion in the following order: meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, observational studies, non-systematic reviews, case series, and reports. Additional significant articles were identified through cross-referencing the identified reviews. The total number of studies identified was 286, and 78 studies were included in this review. The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed upon by the principal authors. The Executive and Board of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada reviewed the content and submitted comments for consideration, and the Board of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada approved the final draft for publication. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology framework (Table 1). The interpretation of strong and weak recommendations is described in Table 2. The Summary of Findings is available upon request. These guidelines are to encourage physicians in the appropriate use of sentinel inguinal lymph node assessment for SCC of the vulva. The committee also promotes the centralization of treatment of vulvar cancer in specialized treatment centres. Evidence will be reviewed 5 years after publication to decide whether all or part of the guideline should be updated. However, if important new evidence is published prior to the 5-year cycle, the review process may be accelerated for a more rapid update of some recommendations. This guideline was developed with resources funded by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. RECOMMENDATIONS.

Sentinel lymph nodes in vulvar cancer: Management dilemmas in patients with positive nodes and larger tumors

BackgroundAlthough sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been routinely used in the treatment of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), questions still remain regarding the management of patients with positive nodes, as well as its use in patients with larger tumors. MethodsRetrospective study of all patients at a single institution with primary vulvar cancer who had SLN biopsy (2008–2015). Patient and tumor characteristics were collected from hospital records. For patients with positive SLN and for those with tumors ≥40 mm, recurrence rates and location were specifically recorded. ResultsSLN biopsy was successful in 159 patients (245 groins). Median follow-up was 31 months.120 patients (187 groins) had a negative SLN without an inguinofemoral lymph node dissection (IFL); there were 6 ipsilateral groin recurrences (5%).7 patients had micrometastasis (≤2 mm) in the SLN and were treated by radiotherapy. There were no recurrences in the irradiated groins.19 patients with a positive unilateral SLN had bilateral IFL. One (5.3%) had a positive node in the contralateral groin. 9 patients with positive unilateral SLN had subsequent ipsilateral IFL; there were no groin recurrences in the contralateral groin.20 patients had tumor size ≥40 mm. 11 patients had a negative SLN biopsy, and thus no IFL; of these patients, 1 had an isolated groin recurrence (9%). ConclusionThese data suggest it is reasonable to omit a full groin dissection for micrometastatic disease in the SLN, and to perform a unilateral groin dissection in patients with unilateral SLN metastasis. SLN alone in larger tumors may have a higher groin recurrence rate.

Incidence of lower limb lymphedema after vulvar cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is an important concern for patients with vulvar cancer. Studies of the incidence of vulvar cancer-related lymphedema and its risk factors have substantially increased in the new millennium.Objectives:This article is a meta-analysis that aimed to systematically evaluate the incidence of LLL and its risk factors related to vulvar cancer.Data sources:Data were collected from eligible studies from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science.Synthesis methods:Random effects models were used to calculate a pooled overall estimate of LLL incidence, and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effects of different study designs, countries of study origin, diagnostic methods, and extent of lymph node surgery. Risk factors for lymphedema were also evaluated.Results:Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria for the assessment of lymphedema incidence with a pooled estimate of 28.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.1–35.5]. The estimate was 16.7% (95% CI 9.7–23.7) when data were restricted to prospective cohort studies (7 studies). The incidence of LLL was increased by approximately 5-fold in women who underwent inguinofemoral lymph node dissection compared to those who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy. The reported risk factors included wound infection, inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, older age, body mass index (BMI), and radiation therapy.Conclusions:Approximately 3 in 10 women who survive vulvar cancer will develop lower limb lymphedema. More studies are needed to improve the understanding of its risk factors and to develop prevention and management strategies to alleviate this distressing disorder.

Prevention of Seroma After Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection by TachoSil Application: A Pilot Study

IntroductionInguinofemoral lymph node dissection is the standard of care for stage III melanoma of the lower extremity with regional lymph node metastasis. Seroma is one of the most common and burdensome postoperative complications after inguinofemoral lymph node dissection. Many measures have been taken to reduce the development of seroma, none with definite success. Patients and MethodWe reviewed the effects of TachoSil patch sealing on the formation of seroma. In the present prospective one-arm single-stage pilot study, 20 patients were scheduled to undergo inguinofemoral lymph node dissection (ILND) with TachoSil application and placement of a standard closed suction drain (CSD) to investigate the effects of TachoSil on the formation of seroma. The presence of seroma after a standard protocol, which included CSD removal 3 days after surgery and the number of aspirations after CSD removal were recorded. In addition, the number and severity of surgical site infections were recorded. ResultsA preplanned futility analysis after the inclusion of 11 patients showed that all patients developed postoperative seroma. The median number of aspirations after CSD removal was 3. This resulted in premature termination of the study. In addition, 10 of the 11 patients developed a surgical site infection. DiscussionNo evidence of a positive effect of TachoSil application on seroma formation after ILND was seen in the present study, and 10 of the 11 patients developed a surgical site infection. ILND remains a surgical procedure with a high incidence of postoperative complications, including seroma. New morbidity-reducing strategies are eagerly awaited, because the TachoSil patches do not seem to have a role in the management of seroma prevention after ILND.

F-18 fluoro-D-glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in planning of surgery and sentinel lymph node screening in vulvar cancers.

To determine the effectiveness of FDG-PET/CT in the assessment of inguinofemoral lymph node (IFLN) in patients with vulvar cancer by comparing FDG-PET/CT results, sentinel lymph node (SLN) screening with gamma probe, and the results of frozen section and definitive pathology in these lymph nodes. This prospective study included eight patients, who were diagnosed with vulvar cancer at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Erciyes University, Turkey. All patients underwent FDG-PET/CT before surgery. Local excision and IFLN dissection were planned by assessing IFLN involvement with SLN screening with Tc-99m nanocolloid plus frozen section. Intraoperatively, SLN screening was performed by using a gamma probe, and these lymph nodes were excised and then evaluated by frozen section. Regardless of the frozen section results, the IFLNs were totally excised. The FDG-PET/CT scan results, SLN plus frozen section results and definitive pathology results of the inguinal lymph nodes were compared. The mean age was 64.50±13.25years (min-max 43-79years). All tumors were squamous cell carcinomas. FDG-PET/CT scan determined vulvar lesions accurately in all patients (8/8; 100%). When inguinal lymph nodes were assessed by FDG uptake and SUVmax values, lymph nodes were interpreted as reactive in four patients (4/8; 50%) and metastatic in the others (4/8; 50%). In all patients frozen section confirmed the FDG-PET-CT results and definitive histopathology results confirmed the frozen section and FDG-PET-CT results (8/8; 100%). In light of these data, FDG-PET/CT scanning is an effective method for the detection of primary tumor in vulvar cancer. Although it seems to be an effective method for the detection of IFLN metastasis, these findings must be supported by further studies with larger sample size for use in the planning of primary surgery and inguinal lymph node dissection without SLN dissection and frozen section, as a minimal invasive method.

Sentinel inguinofemoral lymph node identification in vulvar cancer and the use of near-infrared imaging for sentinel lymph node detection

Objectives: Given the significant morbidity associated with full inguinofemoral lymph node dissection for assessing for lymph node metastasis in patients with vulvar carcinoma, sentinel lymph node evaluation is becoming more widely used.