Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of applying video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy via hypogastric subcutaneous approach (VEIL-H) in the treatment of vulvar carcinoma.
Methods: From September 2009 to December 2012, 15 patients with vulvar carcinoma underwent VEIL-H plus radical vulvectomy at many participating hospitals.
Results: All were treated surgically. Two of them underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPL) upon the positive results of parotid operations with frozen section. The mean operative duration of VEIL-H (bilateral groin) were (80.8 ± 2.9) minutes. The mean total volume of blood loss in VEIL was (5.5 ± 0.4) ml, the mean drainage duration (6 ± 2) days and the average postoperative hospitalization (11 ± 4) days. The mean follow-up period was 13.0 months. One patient suffered local recurrence at Month 2 postoperation.
Conclusion: VEIL-H is both feasible and safe in inguinal lymphadenectomy.