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Morbidity after inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy and completion lymph node dissection in patients with cutaneous
M de Vries1, W G Vonkeman, R J van Ginkel
1Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen and Groningen University, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Background:
Aim of the study was to assess the short-term and long-term morbidity after inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with or without completion groin dissection (GD) in patients with cutaneous melanoma.
Methods:
Between 1995 and 2003, 127 inguinal SLNBs were performed for cutaneous melanoma. Sixty-six patients, median age 50 (18-77) years, met the inclusion criteria and were studied. Short-term complications were analysed retrospectively, while long-term complications were evaluated using volume measurement and range of motion measurement of the lower extremities.
Results:
Fifty-two patients underwent SLNB alone (SLNB group) and 14 patients underwent completion groin dissection after tumour-positive SLNB (SLNB/GD group). Morbidity after SLNB alone: wound infections (n=1), seroma (n=1), postoperative bleeding (n=1), erysipelas (n=1), and slight lymphedema 6% (n=3). Morbidity after SLNB/GD: wound infections (n=4), seroma (n=1), wound necrosis (n=1), postoperative bleeding (n=1), and slight lymphedema 64% (n=9). There were differences between the two groups in the total number of short-term complications (p<0.001), volume difference (p<0.001), flexion (p=0.009), and abduction (p=0.011) limitation of the hip joint.
Conclusion:
Inguinal SLNB is accompanied with a low complication rate. However, SLNB followed by groin dissection is associated with an increased risk of wound infection and slight lymphedema.
