Cancer control : journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
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Surgery is currently the primary treatment modality for metastatic melanoma involving the inguinal lymph nodes. However, inguinal lymph node dissections are associated with substantial morbidity including infection, wound dehiscence, lymphedema, seroma, and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). Improved understanding is needed regarding the factors predisposing patients to complications and the operative and perioperative maneuvers that can decrease morbidity. ⋯ While the morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy can be substantial, several straightforward pre- and postoperative measures can be instituted to limit morbidity. Controversy persists regarding the indications for and benefit of pelvic lymphadenectomy, saphenous vein preservation, and sartorius muscle transposition. A multi-institutional trial is currently in progress to investigate the safety of avoiding lymphadenectomy in patients with microscopic metastases in the sentinel node.