Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Fully Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair with Percutaneous Cannulation of Groin Vessels
Published on: May 26, 2023
Minimally invasive groin dissection
Christopher R Spock1, Debra A Smith, Deepak Narayan
1University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida USA.
Introduction:
Melanoma of the lower extremity with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) mandates a groin dissection. This procedure has been associated with numerous complications; therefore we devised a modified approach.
Methods:
All patients presenting with lower extremity melanomas that met criteria for SLNB had this procedure performed through an incision in the inguino-femoral region. In the event of a positive SLND, this same incision was used for the minimally invasive groin dissection (MIGD). A lighted retractor was used to improve visualization and a Ligasure (Valley-lab) was used to prevent seroma formation.
Results:
Twenty patients met criteria for this investigation and five underwent MIGD. All patients tolerated the procedure well. There was no incidence of flap necrosis nor wound dehiscence. There was one case of seroma and cellulitis, one seroma, and one patient with lymphedema. All patients preferred the MIGD incision over traditional incisions.
Conclusions:
This new algorithm utilizing MIGD is well tolerated in patients. Complications appear to be minimal and patient satisfaction superior to traditional groin dissection.
