Complications and local recurrence following lymphadenectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Lymphadenectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Complications and local recurrence are significant concerns following lymphadenectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors predisposing to complications and local recurrence after lymphadenectomy.
• To evaluate the impact of different pre-biopsy techniques on outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of case notes for 208 patients.
• Analysis of complications (wound infection, seroma, paraesthesiae, lymphoedema) and local recurrence.
• Comparison of outcomes based on anatomical site and pre-resection biopsy method.

Main Results:

• Inguinal lymphadenectomy showed twice the frequency of wound complications compared to cervical or axillary sites.
• Preresection biopsy significantly increased complication rates (nearly twofold) and local recurrence (almost twofold) compared to fine needle aspiration cytology.
• Higher disease stage correlated with increased local recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Fine needle aspiration cytology is the recommended pre-lymphadenectomy investigation due to its safety.
• Preresection biopsy should be avoided due to increased risks of complications and local recurrence.
• Wound complications and lymphoedema are common, particularly after inguinal lymphadenectomy.