Morbidity after inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy and completion lymph node dissection in patients with cutaneous melanoma

Background: Aim of the study was to assess the short-term and long-term morbidity after inguinal sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with or without completion groin dissection (GD) in patients with cutaneous melanoma. Methods: Between 1995 and 2003, 127 inguinal SLNBs were performed for cutaneous melanoma. Sixty-six patients, median age 50 (18-77) years, met the inclusion criteria and were studied. Short-term complications were analysed retrospectively, while long-term complications were evaluated using volume measurement and range of motion measurement of the lower extremities. Results: Fifty-two patients underwent SLNB alone (SLNB group) and 14 patients underwent completion groin dissection after tumour-positive SLNB (SLNB/GD group). Morbidity after SLNB alone: wound infections (n = 1), scroma (n = 1), postoperative bleeding (n = 1), erysipelas (n = 1), and slight lymphedema 6% (n = 3). Morbidity after SLNB/GD: wound infections (n = 4), seroma (17 = 1), wound necrosis (n = 1), postoperative bleeding (n = 1), and slight lymphedema 64% (n = 9). There were differences between the two groups in the total number of short-term complications (p < 0.001), volume difference (p < 0.001), flexion (p = 0.009), and abduction (p = 0.011) limitation of the hip joint. Conclusion: Inguinal SLNB is accompanied with a low complication rate. However, SLNB followed by groin dissection is associated with an increased risk of wound infection and slight lymphedema. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.