Minimally invasive groin dissection.
BACKGROUND
Melanoma of the lower extremity with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) mandates a groin dissection. This procedure has been associated with numerous complications; therefore we devised a modified approach.


METHODS
All patients presenting with lower extremity melanomas that met criteria for SLNB had this procedure performed through an incision in the inguino-femoral region. In the event of a positive SLND, this same incision was used for the minimally invasive groin dissection (MIGD). A lighted retractor was used to improve visualization and a Ligasure (Valley-lab) was used to prevent seroma formation.


RESULTS
Twenty patients met criteria for this investigation and five underwent MIGD. All patients tolerated the procedure well. There was no incidence of flap necrosis nor wound dehiscence. There was one case of seroma and cellulitis, one seroma, and one patient with lymphedema. All patients preferred the MIGD incision over traditional incisions.


CONCLUSIONS
This new algorithm utilizing MIGD is well tolerated in patients. Complications appear to be minimal and patient satisfaction superior to traditional groin dissection.
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida USA.
Christopher R
CR
Spock
Debra A
DA
Smith
Deepak
D
Narayan
D005260:Female; D006119:Groin / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010865:Pilot Projects; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome