BACKGROUND: Surgery is currently the primary treatment modality for metastatic melanoma involving the inguinal lymph nodes. However, inguinal lymph node dissections are associated with substantial morbidity including infection, wound dehiscence, lymphedema, seroma, and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). Improved understanding is needed regarding the factors predisposing patients to complications and the operative and perioperative maneuvers that can decrease morbidity. METHODS: We reviewed recently published literature regarding the morbidity associated with lymphadenectomy in the treatment of inguinal metastatic melanoma. Where available, emphasis was focused on appropriately designed studies aimed at reducing treatment-related morbidity. When appropriate, the review was supplemented by our personal experience. RESULTS: Strategies to limit treatment-related morbidity involve optimizing the preoperative assessment, operative technique, and postoperative care. Establishing the diagnosis of nodal metastasis early using minimally invasive techniques is critical to reduce subsequent perioperative complications. Morbidity is higher for inguinal compared to cervical or axillary lymphadenectomy, and many variations in extent of inguinal lymphadenectomy and operative technique have been reported. The lack of definitive trials has led to controversy regarding surgical technique such as indications for pelvic lymphadenectomy ("deep" node dissection), saphenous vein preservation, and sartorius transposition. In the postoperative period, the use of DVT and lymphedema prophylaxis should be considered to potentially improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: While the morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy can be substantial, several straightforward pre- and postoperative measures can be instituted to limit morbidity. Controversy persists regarding the indications for and benefit of pelvic lymphadenectomy, saphenous vein preservation, and sartorius muscle transposition. A multi-institutional trial is currently in progress to investigate the safety of avoiding lymphadenectomy in patients with microscopic metastases in the sentinel node.
BACKGROUND: Surgery is currently the primary treatment modality for metastatic melanoma involving the inguinal lymph nodes. However, inguinal lymph node dissections are associated with substantial morbidity including infection, wound dehiscence, lymphedema, seroma, and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). Improved understanding is needed regarding the factors predisposing patients to complications and the operative and perioperative maneuvers that can decrease morbidity. METHODS: We reviewed recently published literature regarding the morbidity associated with lymphadenectomy in the treatment of inguinal metastatic melanoma. Where available, emphasis was focused on appropriately designed studies aimed at reducing treatment-related morbidity. When appropriate, the review was supplemented by our personal experience. RESULTS: Strategies to limit treatment-related morbidity involve optimizing the preoperative assessment, operative technique, and postoperative care. Establishing the diagnosis of nodal metastasis early using minimally invasive techniques is critical to reduce subsequent perioperative complications. Morbidity is higher for inguinal compared to cervical or axillary lymphadenectomy, and many variations in extent of inguinal lymphadenectomy and operative technique have been reported. The lack of definitive trials has led to controversy regarding surgical technique such as indications for pelvic lymphadenectomy ("deep" node dissection), saphenous vein preservation, and sartorius transposition. In the postoperative period, the use of DVT and lymphedema prophylaxis should be considered to potentially improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: While the morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy can be substantial, several straightforward pre- and postoperative measures can be instituted to limit morbidity. Controversy persists regarding the indications for and benefit of pelvic lymphadenectomy, saphenous vein preservation, and sartorius muscle transposition. A multi-institutional trial is currently in progress to investigate the safety of avoiding lymphadenectomy in patients with microscopic metastases in the sentinel node.
Authors: F Egberts; C Hartje; C Schafmayer; K C Kaehler; W von Schönfels; A Hauschild; T Becker; J H Egberts Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl Date: 2011-10 Impact factor: 1.891
Authors: James W Jakub; Alicia M Terando; Amod Sarnaik; Charlotte E Ariyan; Mark B Faries; Sabino Zani; Heather B Neuman; Nabil Wasif; Jeffrey M Farma; Bruce J Averbook; Karl Y Bilimoria; Travis E Grotz; Jacob B Jake Allred; Vera J Suman; Mary Sue Brady; Douglas Tyler; Jeffrey D Wayne; Heidi Nelson Journal: Ann Surg Date: 2017-01 Impact factor: 12.969
Authors: Matthew C Perez; Daniel E Oliver; Evan S Weitman; David Boulware; Jane L Messina; Javier Torres-Roca; C Wayne Cruse; Ricardo J Gonzalez; Amod A Sarnaik; Vernon K Sondak; Evan J Wuthrick; Louis B Harrison; Jonathan S Zager Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2018-10-11 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: Mark B Faries; John F Thompson; Alistair Cochran; Robert Elashoff; Edwin C Glass; Nicola Mozzillo; Omgo E Nieweg; Daniel F Roses; Harold J Hoekstra; Constantine P Karakousis; Douglas S Reintgen; Brendon J Coventry; He-Jing Wang; Donald L Morton Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2010-07-08 Impact factor: 5.344