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Sentinel lymph node biopsy for malignant melanoma as day surgery
Darren Ng1, Sue Hutchinson, Miklos Pohl
1Melanoma Unit, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, UK. darren76@hotmail.com
Summary
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for malignant melanoma is feasible as day surgery, offering greater patient satisfaction and cost savings. This approach does not compromise patient care compared to inpatient procedures.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Dermatology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a standard procedure for malignant melanoma staging.
- Historically, SLNB has been performed as an inpatient procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and patient satisfaction of day surgery SLNB for malignant melanoma.
- To compare day surgery SLNB with traditional inpatient SLNB.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study comparing daycase and inpatient SLNB for non-head and neck malignant melanoma.
- Data collected via telephone survey and medical record review over 18 months.
- Comparison of waiting times, hospital stay duration, complication rates, and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in time to surgery, prolonged hospital stay, or complication rates between daycase and inpatient groups.
- Significantly higher overall patient satisfaction with daycase admission (86.3%) compared to inpatient admission (52.9%).
Conclusions:
- Day surgery SLNB for malignant melanoma is a feasible and safe alternative to inpatient procedures.
- Day surgery SLNB enhances patient satisfaction, improves bed availability, and offers cost savings.
- Patient care is not compromised by performing SLNB as day surgery.
