Superficial Groin Dissection



Superficial Groin Dissection


Laura A. Adam

Neal W. Wilkinson




When both the superficial and deep regions are removed, we will refer to a superficial and deep dissection, realizing that the term radical is occasionally used in this setting. The proximal extent or pelvic component of the dissection may vary depending on the pathology being treated and must be clearly stated in the operative note instead of using vague terms such as deep or radical.



The superficial and deep inguinal lymph node dissection is most commonly performed for cutaneous malignancies of the lower extremity, lower abdomen, and flank. Melanoma remains the most common indication and the majority will have been localized to the region by sentinel node mapping techniques. Additional indications include penile, distal urethral, scrotal, vulvar, anal, and anal canal cancers. The pelvic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic pathology may include many of the same regional lymph node basins, but is approached through a lower midline incision and will not be covered in this chapter.

These procedures carry a significant risk of local morbidity, including skin flap necrosis, wound infection, seroma formation, and lymphedema. For melanoma, the procedure should be only performed for documented disease in the region commonly described as a “therapeutic” lymphadenectomy. Sentinel lymph node staging, computed tomography or ultrasound directed fine-needle aspiration, and now positron emission tomography can be used to preoperatively stage the region and has replaced elective nodal dissection for melanoma.


Incision and Elevation of Flaps: Superficial and Deep Regions (Fig. 96.1)


Technical Points




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After induction of anesthesia, the patient is positioned supine with the leg externally rotated and the knee slightly flexed to improve medial exposure. In larger patients, placing a bump under the thigh may further facilitate exposure. Preoperative antibiotics are frequently given despite the procedure being a Class I (infection classification) case. Most wound complications
are related to skin flap necrosis and lymphedema. These are not likely to be influenced by antibiotics, and randomized controlled trials have questioned their efficacy in preventing wound complications. However, because of these high wound complication rates, it is reasonable to provide a short course of antibiotics directed toward common skin flora. A Foley catheter and sequential compression devices are typically used. Muscle paralysis should be minimized until the femoral nerve is clearly identified. The skin preparation and draping should include lower abdomen to knee with wide medial and lateral exposure.






Figure 96-1 Incision and Elevation of Flaps: Superficial and Deep Regions

The inferior aspect of the incision is placed directly over the femoral vessels and should extend inferiorly to the convergence of the sartorius and femoral vessels. The superior aspect of the incision may vary based on surgeon choice, patient body habitus, and anticipated proximal extent of the dissection. We prefer a lazy S–shaped incision from the anterosuperior iliac spine to the medial thigh with the middle portion overlying the bottom of the inguinal ligament. The abdominal pannus in large body habitus patients can be rotated medially and elevated superiorly to provide better visualization. An alternate straight vertical incision traversing the inguinal ligament onto the lower abdomen works well in thin patients. If a previous sentinel lymph node biopsy site exists, it should be included in the incision. The proximal extent of the incision can vary depending on proximal extent of the dissection and will need to be longer if a deep dissection is to be done. The abdomino-inguinal incision is seldom indicated to gain wider access to the pelvis but can provide wide exposure of the entire internal pelvis when clinically indicated: proximal control of vessels, difficult bleeding, or bulky adenopathy.

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Jul 22, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL SURGERY | Comments Off on Superficial Groin Dissection

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