Does the count after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in vulvar cancer correlate with outcome

Abstract Background Inguinal lymph node (LN) metastasis is an important prognostic factor in vulvar cancer. Our aim was to determine the prognostic value of the number of resected LNs in inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in a series of 158 individuals who underwent bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma from January 1980 to February 2010. Results The mean age was 67 years (range: 15–90). Median tumor size was 5 cm (range: 1–18). A median of 22.5 inguinal LNs (range: 2–57) was resected. Thirteen (8.2%) patients had p  = 0.97) and death from cancer ( p  = 0.43) in 5 years. However, resection of p  = 0.003) and death from cancer ( p  = 0.043). Conclusions Resection of fewer than 12 LNs in vulvar cancer has a negative impact on outcome for patients with positive inguinal LNs.