Resumen
Inguinal lymphadenectomy (the removal of lymph nodes in the groin) is currently part of the treatment options for stage III melanoma patients. Surgery can be performed using one large inguinal incision (open approach) or a few smaller incisions (videoscopic approach). Previous research has already shown less severe complications and comparable oncologic outcomes after the videoscopic approach. Postoperative lymphedema following inguinal lymphadenectomy is a well-known problem which can potentially decrease quality of life. With the arrival of adjuvant systemic treatment options, less invalidating surgery is highly desirable. However, lymphedema and quality of life have only been investigated after the open approach. Therefore, we evaluated lymphedema and quality of life following videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for stage III melanoma. The videoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy is a feasible approach due to the comparable lymphedema incidence and normalization of quality of life during follow-up.