Complications following inguinal and ilioinguinal lymphadenectomies: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Inguinal lymphadenectomy is essential for regional staging of malignant melanoma in the lower part of the body. The procedure is associated with a wide range of complication rates. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature for papers describing complication rates following inguinal (ID) and ilioinguinal (I-ID) lymphadenectomies, and estimate the actual complication rates in patients with malignant melanoma.

Methods: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting complications following ID and I-ID for malignant melanomas.

Results: A total of 416 records were identified, of which 20 were deemed eligible for this study. The complication rates (with 95% confidence intervals) were found to be as follows: overall complications = 52% (44–60%); lymphorrea = 29% (0–71%); seroma = 23% (18–29%); infection = 21% (15–27%); wound breakdown  =14% (8–21%); skin edge necrosis = 10% (6–15%); haematoma = 3% (1–5%); and lymphoedema = 33% (25–42%).

Conclusion: Complication rates following ID and I-ID remain high, despite the many efforts to reduce these, with lymphorrea, seromas, and infections being the most prevalent complications.

Key Words:

• Meta-analysis
• groin
• lymph node excision
• morbidity
• neoplasms
• metastasis

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.