Is iliac node clearance necessary for stage II melanoma?

In a retrospective review (1970-1983), survival following block dissection of the groin was compared in two groups with clinical stage II melanoma. Twenty patients under one surgeon had ilioinguinal (high) block dissection, and 22 patients under another surgeon had inguinal (low) block dissection. The high block 5-year survival was 40 percent, and the low block 5-year survival was 35 percent. There was no statistical difference between groups on life-table or log-rank test analysis. It is concluded that the extent of groin dissection has no effect on survival of stage II melanoma.