Radical vulvectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy using a single incision for the treatment of vulvar malignancy

Objective To describe a novel procedure of radical vulvectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy using a single incision (RVIL-SI) for the treatment of vulvar malignancy. Methods In March, 2019, two cases affected with vulvar cancer (the first one is stage ⅢA squamous cell carcinoma and the second one is stage ⅠB with malignant melanoma) underwent this novel procedure, which was characterized by the combination of radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy without making additional incisions in groin areas. The boundaries of femoral triangle could be exposed perfectly using the initial incision of radical vulvectomy and the combined superficial and deep groin lymph node dissection were done subcutaneously from medial to lateral. Preoperative data and short term follow-up outcomes were collected. Results The RVIL-SI was successfully conducted in two patients without any incisions of groin. The great saphenous veins were all spared. The operative time, average blood loss and median total regional lymph nodes of two cases were close. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Micrometastasis in one right superficial inguinal node was found in the first case with ipsilateral huge cancer lesion. No drain tube was left in inguinal areas intraoperatively. On postoperative day 3, the second case suffered mild lymphocele of right groin, which was resolved via repeated percutaneous needle puncture followed by elastic compression. Postoperative hospital stay of two cases were 10 and 11 days, respectively. With no skin complication at the time of writing this report. Conclusion Our preliminary experience with the RVIL-SI has confirmed the reproducibility and minimal invasive therapeutic potential in the treatment for patients with vulvar cancer. But this novel procedure is in its infancy stage. Although short-term results are encouraging, a larger series with longer follow-up are required to fully evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Key words: Vulvar cancer; Radical vulvectomy; Inguinal lymphadenectomy; Single incision