This is an early report from a prospective audit of sentinel node procedures performed for women with early stage vulval cancer at gynaecological oncology centres in New Zealand and Australia. As of 14/1/2016 fifty four women with apparently early stage vulval cancer were enrolled in the Audit from 8 participating centres. Following surgery 5 women were found either to have multifocal disease or a tumour size greater than 4 cm and are excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining women sentinel nodes were identified and removed in all but 1 patient. 36 women had negative sentinel nodes 28 of these women have had greater than 12 months follow up. 4 of these women with negative sentinel nodes have developed recurrent disease. 2 experienced recurrence primarily in the groin. On review of pathology specimens in both these women the recommended pathology protocol was not followed and in both cases on further sectioning micro-metastases were identified. All pathology specimens for women with negative sentinel nodes were reviewed. A number of further deviations from protocol were identified in several centres. Following re-examination of these cases no further micro metastasis were identified. We conclude that groin failure may be associated with micro-metastasis in a removed sentinel node. Strict adherence to pathology protocol is an essential step for patient safety in the utilisation of this technique. Appropriate steps have been taken in participating centres to ensure protocol adherence.