Surgical Advances in Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection: Optimizing Treatment Outcomes.

Lymphadenectomy (LND) for locally advanced penile cancer is often necessary in patients with suspected disease within the inguinal or pelvic lymph nodes because the results of systemic therapy are somewhat marginal. It has utility in staging, disease prognosis, and treatment in certain men because early dissection of involved lymph nodes improves survival. Despite its mainstay in the management of this disease, inguinal and pelvic lymph node dissection can be associated with significant postoperative complications and patient morbidity. Recent refinements in surgical technique, however, and appropriate patient selection can minimize these risks and lead to better short-term and long-term outcomes.