Endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile cancer: case report and literature review

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to submit our first experience in endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (EIL), evaluate the feasibility of the procedure and carry out a review of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 41-year-old patient was diagnosed with penile cancer with squamous cell carcinoma pT2G1 pathology, with no palpable inguinal lymph nodes. A bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed with preservation of the saphenous vein, conventional left and endoscopic right procedures. The perioperative data is presented and that obtained is discussed in the literature. RESULTS: The total time was 270 minutes, 180 for endoscopic and 90 for conventional procedures. Blood loss was minimal in both cases. Fifteen lymph nodes were dissected on the endoscopic side, and 17 in the conventional side, the latter with more pain and devitalised skin flap. CONCLUSIONS: EIL for penile cancer is feasible and there is less morbidity with an early recovery. The literature is not conclusive on the indication of EIL.