[Complications after sentinel lymph node excision in patients with malignant melanoma].

Introduction: Side-effects occurring after sentinel lymph node excision in malignant melanoma patients have been poorly evaluated to date. The aim of the present study was to assess the side-effects of sentinel lymph node excision in this population.

Patients And Methods: All consecutive malignant melanoma patients undergoing sentinel lymph node excision between March 2000 and December 2002 were included in this retrospective study. Patients with a metastatic sentinel node subsequently undergoing lymph node dissection were excluded. Median follow-up of patients was 12.6 +/- 8.8 months. Complications were classified as "early" (i.e. occurring the month following surgery), or "late" (after this time).

Results: Forty malignant melanoma patients (17 males, 23 females) with a normal histologic examination of their sentinel lymph node were included. They belonged to a series of sixty-one melanoma patients undergoing lymph node excision. Fourteen complications were observed in ten patients. Two early complications were seen: hematoma (n=1) and deep venous thrombosis with pulmonary embolism (n=1). Twelve late complications were observed: mild lymphoedema (n=5), hypertrophic scars (n=2), painful scars (n=4), and one chronic seroma (n=1). Many complications (33%) were observed after excision in the inguinal area.

Discussion: The complications of sentinel lymph node excision must be considered in determining the benefit/risk ratio of this technique.