Videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for metastatic melanoma.

BACKGROUND The standard treatment of care for melanoma metastatic to the inguinal lymph node basin is lymphadenectomy. However, up to 50% of patients forgo the operation partly due to concerns about morbidity. Videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VIL) is a minimally invasive technique designed to minimize wound complications while achieving comparable oncological control. METHODS We reviewed pertinent literature related to open inguinal lymphadenectomy and VIL specific to melanoma, offering personal experience where appropriate. RESULTS Despite efforts to minimize the complications of open inguinal lymphadenectomy, approximately 50% of patients experience a wound-related complication. However, performing minimally invasive VIL has led to a significant decrease in length of hospital stay, a decrease in complications, and equivalent or superior lymph node retrieval in patients with metastatic melanoma to the inguinal basin. CONCLUSIONS VIL is an alternative to open inguinal lymphadenectomy for patients with melanoma and regional metastases.