The use of sentinel node sampling in vulval cancer

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2013 Nov;33(8):892-7. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2013.834301.

Abstract

Between March 2007 and December 2009, 38 patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) sampling, along with vulvectomy, in their management of vulval cancer. A review has been conducted to establish the reliability and accuracy of the new procedure compared with the traditional total inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. We also aimed to establish both the short- and long-term morbidities of both total inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and SLNB and to assess the duration of hospital stay in both groups. Our data have shown a reduced short- and long-term morbidity and reduced length of hospital stay for the SLNB procedure. We conclude that it is a reliable and safe procedure, however it should only be conducted in cancer centres.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy*
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / mortality
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / surgery*