Purpose: We determine the value of dynamic sentinel node biopsy for staging squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.
Materials and methods: During a period of 2 years 17 patients with penile cancer was performed after lymphoscintigraphy pre and intraoperatively with gamma ray detection probe at biopsy of the sentinel node with the aid of perilesional administered patent blue dye. After 20 days regional lymph node dissection was performed in all patients.
Results: Sentinel node metastasis was found in 5 patients; in one case lymphoscintigraphy not visualized sentinel node. All negative node biopsy was confirmed with the regional lymph node dissection. No major complication did occur after sentinel node biopsy.
Conclusions: Occult lymph node metastases can be detected by dynamic sentinel node biopsy including preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, vital dye and gamma ray detection probe with a sensitivity of 78%, predictive negative value of 100% and with low morbidity.