Videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for metastatic melanoma.
BACKGROUND
The standard treatment of care for melanoma metastatic to the inguinal lymph node basin is lymphadenectomy. However, up to 50% of patients forgo the operation partly due to concerns about morbidity. Videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VIL) is a minimally invasive technique designed to minimize wound complications while achieving comparable oncological control.


METHODS
We reviewed pertinent literature related to open inguinal lymphadenectomy and VIL specific to melanoma, offering personal experience where appropriate.


RESULTS
Despite efforts to minimize the complications of open inguinal lymphadenectomy, approximately 50% of patients experience a wound-related complication. However, performing minimally invasive VIL has led to a significant decrease in length of hospital stay, a decrease in complications, and equivalent or superior lymph node retrieval in patients with metastatic melanoma to the inguinal basin.


CONCLUSIONS
VIL is an alternative to open inguinal lymphadenectomy for patients with melanoma and regional metastases.
Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. kdelman@emory.edu.
Benjamin M
BM
Martin
Viraj A
VA
Master
Keith A
KA
Delman
D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000379:methods*