Fibrin Sealant in Decreasing Lymphedema Following Surgery to Remove Lymph Nodes in Patients With Cancer of the Vulva

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Diagnosis of vulvar malignancy * Stage I-IVB * Planned radical vulvectomy or hemivulvectomy AND * Ipsilateral or bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy * Presence of groin node metastases is allowed * No primary or secondary lymphedema of the lower extremities PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * Over 18 Performance status: * GOG 0-3 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * No bleeding disorder Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal * SGOT no greater than 3 times normal * Albumin at least 3.0 g/dL Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: * No prior lower extremity deep vein thrombosis Other: * No known sensitivity or anaphylaxis to bovine-derived products * No known prior exposure to fibrin tissue adhesive * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer * No nonhealing ulcer or chronic infection of the lower extremity, including superficial phlebitis * No prior fracture of any portion of either leg * Preoperative circumferential measurements of legs must differ by less than 3 cm * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * No prior chemotherapy for a prior malignancy * Concurrent adjuvant chemotherapy allowed Endocrine therapy: * Not specified Radiotherapy: * No prior radiotherapy for a prior malignancy * No prior radiotherapy to pelvis, abdomen, inguinal area, or lower extremity Surgery: * See Disease Characteristics * No prior inguinal surgery * No prior surgery to veins or arteries of either leg * No other concurrent elective surgery during same operative event as inguinal lymphadenectomy Other: * At least 30 days since prior investigational products or devices * At least 7 days since prior anticoagulants * Concurrent enrollment on GOG-0173 or other adjuvant treatment protocols is allowed * No other concurrent investigational products or devices