[Complications after sentinel lymph node excision in patients with malignant melanoma].
BACKGROUND
Side-effects occurring after sentinel lymph node excision in malignant melanoma patients have been poorly evaluated to date. The aim of the present study was to assess the side-effects of sentinel lymph node excision in this population.


METHODS
All consecutive malignant melanoma patients undergoing sentinel lymph node excision between March 2000 and December 2002 were included in this retrospective study. Patients with a metastatic sentinel node subsequently undergoing lymph node dissection were excluded. Median follow-up of patients was 12.6 +/- 8.8 months. Complications were classified as "early" (i.e. occurring the month following surgery), or "late" (after this time).


RESULTS
Forty malignant melanoma patients (17 males, 23 females) with a normal histologic examination of their sentinel lymph node were included. They belonged to a series of sixty-one melanoma patients undergoing lymph node excision. Fourteen complications were observed in ten patients. Two early complications were seen: hematoma (n=1) and deep venous thrombosis with pulmonary embolism (n=1). Twelve late complications were observed: mild lymphoedema (n=5), hypertrophic scars (n=2), painful scars (n=4), and one chronic seroma (n=1). Many complications (33%) were observed after excision in the inguinal area.


CONCLUSIONS
The complications of sentinel lymph node excision must be considered in determining the benefit/risk ratio of this technique.
Verdier
E
E
Clinique Dermatologique, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen Cedex, France.
Auquit-Auckbur
I
I
Young
P
P
Corven
C
C
Chomant
J
J
Courville
P
P
Vera
P
P
Milliez
P-Y
PY
Joly
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C512413:nanocis; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid