LAUSR

Background Video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) is a minimally invasive approach that is increasingly indicated in oncological settings, with mounting evidence for its long-term oncological safety. Objectives To present our single-center experience of treating penile and urethral cancer with VEIL, as well as its more recent application in melanoma patients. Methods We prospectively recorded our experiences with VEIL from September 2010 to July 2018, registering the patient primary indication, surgical details, complications, and follow-up. Results Twenty-nine patients were operated in one (24) or both (5) groins; 18 had penile cancer, 1 had urethral cancer, and 10 had melanoma. A mean 8.62 ± 4.45 lymph nodes were removed using VEIL and of these, an average of 1.00 ± 2.87 were metastatic; 16 patients developed lymphocele and 10 presented some degree of lymphedema; there were no skin or other major complications. The median follow-up was 19.35 months; there were 3 penile cancer patient recurrences in the VEIL-operated side. None of the melanoma patients presented a lymphatic inguinal recurrence. Conclusions VEIL is a minimally invasive technique which appears to be oncologically safe showing fewer complications than open surgery. However, complications such as lymphorrhea, lymphocele, or lymphedema were not diminished by using VEIL.