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Inguinal lymphadenectomy is surgery to remove lymph nodes and surrounding lymphatic tissue from the groin. It is also called inguinal lymph node dissection or groin lymph node dissection. The removed nodes are examined for cancer to help control regional disease and guide further treatment. The operation can involve superficial inguinal nodes alone or be extended to deeper pelvic nodes in selected cases.
read more about inguinal lymphadenectomy ...The procedure is used for selected cancers that spread to lymph nodes in the groin, including melanoma and cancers of the penis or vulva. It can be performed when lymph nodes are clinically abnormal, confirmed to contain cancer, or require removal according to disease-specific treatment criteria. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can spare some patients from a complete groin dissection when only staging information is needed. The need for lymphadenectomy depends on cancer type, stage, nodal burden, imaging, and other treatment options.
The surgeon makes an incision in the groin and removes the planned lymphatic tissue while protecting major structures such as the femoral artery, vein, and nerve. A superficial dissection removes nodes above the deep fascia, while a deeper or ilioinguinal dissection can include additional femoral or pelvic nodes. One or more drains are commonly placed because lymphatic fluid can collect after surgery. The wound is then closed and monitored carefully because groin incisions have a relatively high rate of healing problems.
Drain output, wound healing, leg swelling, pain, and mobility are monitored after surgery. Drains can remain in place until lymphatic output falls to an acceptable level according to the surgical team. Walking and leg movement are encouraged gradually while strain on the groin incision is limited. Long-term follow-up includes monitoring for lymphedema, recurrent cancer, skin infection, and functional problems in the affected leg.
Inguinal lymphadenectomy has substantial wound and lymphatic morbidity compared with many smaller operations. Complications include seroma, lymph leakage, wound infection, skin-edge necrosis, wound separation, hematoma, numbness, and blood clots. Removing groin lymph nodes can permanently impair lymph drainage and cause chronic leg or genital lymphedema. Lymphedema can increase the risk of discomfort, reduced mobility, skin changes, and recurrent cellulitis.
No. Sentinel biopsy removes only the first draining node or small group of nodes, while lymphadenectomy removes a larger regional lymph node basin.
Yes. Removing groin lymph nodes can disrupt lymph drainage and cause temporary or chronic lymphedema of the leg or genital region.
Cut lymphatic channels can continue releasing fluid after surgery. Drains help remove this fluid and reduce the size of postoperative collections.
No. Some operations remove only superficial inguinal nodes. Deeper femoral or pelvic dissection is added only when disease pattern and treatment criteria justify it.
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Complications following inguinal and ilioinguinal lymphadenectomies: a meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27146716/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.