Application of laparoscopy combined with inguinal lymph node dissection in lymph node metastasis of melanoma.

Nine patients with metastatic melanoma admitted from May 2015 to Feb. 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. All of them were found to have lymph node metastasis near iliac vessels and/or inguinal region after primary resection of lower extremity and during IFN-beta treatment. Laparoscopic retrograde dissection of paravascular lymph nodes from the iliac bifurcation and open dissection of inguinal lymph nodes were performed.

All 9 operations were successfully completed. The operation time was (150.9±41.08) min, the intraoperative bleeding volume was (55±21.51) ml, the time of getting out of bed after operation was (3.11±1.67) d, and the time of hospitalization after operation was (8.57±2.19) d. Postoperative pathology confirmed iliac para lymph node and(or) inguinal lymph node metastasis.

Laparoscopic combined with ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy is a new surgical approach for the treatment of lower extremity melanoma metastasis. Compared with the original surgical approach, this surgical approach has less trauma, faster recovery and thorough clearance, and has certain clinical value.