Primary skin closure of a large groin defect after inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer using a skin stretching device.

[PURPOSE] We describe a method of primary closure of a large skin defect.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] A 44-year-old man was treated for penile cancer. After left inguinal lymphadenectomy a large skin defect in the groin remained that could not be closed primarily. Allowing skin to stretch beyond its inherent extensibility with a skin stretching system (Sure-Closure) the wound edges were closed without tension.

[RESULTS] Primary closure of a large skin defect was possible after cyclic stretching and relaxation of the skin with a skin stretching device.

[CONCLUSIONS] Large skin defects can be closed primarily using a skin stretching device. The primary advantage of the procedure are its simplicity and avoidance of the need for more complicated reconstructive surgery.