Outcomes of Inguinal Node Dissection for Metastases from Anal Canal Carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives : The outcomes of patients with anal canal carcinoma who underwent inguinal node dissection (IND) were evaluated.
Methods : During the past 9 years, a total of 13 patients underwent curative resection for lower rectal and anal canal adenocarcinomas. Eight of the 13 patients had inguinal node metastases histologically. Four patients showed synchronous metastases, and the other 4 patients showed metachronous metastases. IND was performed on only the metastatic side.
Result : Six of 8 patients showed recurrence after IND, including one peritoneal dissemination, 2 intrapelvic node metastases, and 4 distant metastases. No patient had local inguinal recurrence. All patients who underwent IND developed lower limb edema. Seven of 8 patients were given postoperative chemotherapy. Seven patients survived more than 3 years with postoperative chemotherapy, and 2 patients survived relapse-free for more than 3 years.
Conclusion : IND for metastases has a high risk of lower limb edema, but a favorable prognosis can be achieved in patients with anorectal carcinoma when curative resection is possible with postoperative chemotherapy.