title: Saphenous vein sparing superficial inguinal dissection in lower extremity melanoma.
abstract: Aim. The classic inguinal lymph node dissection is the main step for the regional control of the lower extremity melanoma, but this surgical procedure is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. The permanent lymphedema is the most devastating long-term complication leading to a significant decrease in the patient's quality of life. In this study we present our experience with modified, saphenous vein sparing, inguinal lymph node dissections for patients with melanoma of the lower extremity. Methods. Twenty one patients (10 women, 11 men) who underwent saphenous vein sparing superficial inguinal lymph node dissection for the melanoma of lower extremity were included in this study. The effects of saphenous vein sparing on postoperative complications were evaluated. Results. We have observed the decreased rate of long-term lymphedema in patients undergoing inguinal lymphadenectomy for the lower extremity melanoma. Conclusion. The inguinal lymphadenectomy with saphenous vein preservation in lower extremity melanoma patients seems to be an oncologically safe procedure and it may offer reduced long-term morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Tekirdag Government Hospital, 59020 Tekirdag, Turkey.
authors.forename: Muhammed Beşir
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Oztürk
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, 34445 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Arzu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akan
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, 34445 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ozay
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ozkaya
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, 34445 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Onur
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Egemen
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Prof. Dr. A. Ilhan Ozdemir State Hospital, 28000 Giresun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ali Rıza
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Oreroğlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, 34445 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Turgut
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7786-796X
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kayadibi
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medipol University Hospital, 34200 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mithat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akan