Surgical Technique and Postoperative Morbidity Following Radical Inguinal Iliacal Lymph Node Dissection - A Prospective Stdy in 67 Patients with Malignant Melanoma Metastatic to the Groin

Background: The Surgical radical inguinal / iliacal lymph node dissection (RLND) is the procedure of choice in patients presenting with lymphatic metastasis of melanoma of the lower extremity or the lower part of the trunk. The perioperative morbidity of patients includes not only local wound complications, seroma formation or lymphatic fistula but also leg oedema, deep venous thrombosis and neuralgic disorders postoperatively. The aim of this prospective study was the evaluation of postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing radical inguinal/iliacal RLND in a standardised surgical fashion. Patients and Methods: 67 patients suffering from malignant melanoma of the lower extremity or the lower trunk with metastatic lymph nodes in the groin or the iliacal region underwent a combined RLND of the inguinal / iliacal region or the groin alone between 2003 and 2006. All operations were performed in a standardised technique. The main criterion of the study was the incidence of postoperative wound complications. Minor endpoints included the incidence of lymphatic fistula, the length of hospital stay, and the development of temporary or permanent leg oedema. Results: 64 patients underwent inguinal/iliacal and 3 patients only inguinal LND (lymph node dissection). All patients tolerated the procedure well. The overall wound complication rate was 34%. One patient died on the 21(st) postoperative day due to a pulmonary embolism and a simultaneous cerebral apoplexy. Lymphatic fistula occurred in 22 (33%) patients whereas seroma resulted in 23(34%) patients. The length of hospital stay was 15(3-41) days. A relevant leg oedema was observed in 9(13%) patients. Conclusion: Even with a proper perioperative management and a precise wound care management, one-third of the patients undergoing radical inguinal/iliacal lymphadenectomy suffer from a complication requiring medical or interventional treatment. Our data demonstrate that most of these complications can be treated sufficiently by conservative treatment. A fitted surgical support hose could prevent long-term complications.