Lymph is a body fluid that contains white blood cells and proteins. It travels through the body in lymphatic channels (like blood vessels) and brings the lymph through lymph nodes. The nodes filter out bacteria, cancer cells, and waste materials from the lymph so they do not get into the bloodstream. A lot of the lymph from the tissues and skin in the legs, pelvis and lower abdomen drain into the lymph nodes in the groin.

The groin lymph nodes will be removed if the cancer has already spread to the nodes in order to examine them under a microscope to see if the cancer has spread from the original tumor site as part of the diagnosis and staging process. Cancer cells found in the lymph nodes suggest that it may have spread to other parts of the body and the patient may need more aggressive treatment. The results of this test help you and your physician plan the best course of therapy.

What Happens During Surgery?

• Groin lymph node dissection is performed under general anesthesia
• The surgeon makes an incision near the top of your leg and removes a pad of fat in which 5 to 20 lymph nodes are embedded
• The incision is sutured and a drain may be put in to remove excess fluid
• The procedure takes about two to three hours
• There will be a hospital stay of about four to five days
   

If you are scheduled for this procedure, you will be given specific instructions to follow for pre and post surgical care.