Extent of Groin Dissection in Melanoma: A Mixed-Methods, Population-Based Study of Practice Patterns and Outcomes.

Melanoma metastases to the groin are frequently managed by therapeutic lymph node dissection. Evidence is lacking regarding the extent of dissection required. Thus, we sought to describe practice patterns for the use of inguinal vs. ilioinguinal dissection, as well as the perioperative/oncologic outcomes of each procedure. A mixed-methods approach was employed to evaluate surgical practice patterns. A retrospective review of three multi-site databases was carried out, together with semi-structured interviews of melanoma surgeons. A total of 347 patients who underwent dissection were reviewed. The main indications stated for adding a "deep" ilioinguinal dissection were palpable or radiologically positive disease. There was no significant difference in complications, length of stay or lymphedema between patients having inguinal vs. ilioinguinal dissection, irrespective of method of diagnosis. There was also no significant difference in recurrence, cancer-specific survival or overall survival between groups. In conclusion, ilioinguinal dissection is a safe and well-tolerated procedure, with no significant added morbidity relative to an inguinal dissection. The indications for ilioinguinal dissection currently in use produce an appropriate deep node positivity rate and ilioinguinal dissection should continue to be used selectively. Randomized data are needed to clarify the impact of ilioinguinal dissection on regional control and survival.

Outcomes of surgical treatment alone in patients with superficial soft tissue sarcoma regardless of size or grade.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, standard treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is wide local excision and adjuvant radiation, but radiation may be unnecessary in superficial STS. The primary objective is to assess local recurrence rates in patients treated with surgical management alone for superficial STS. METHODS: A retrospective cancer registry review of patients treated with surgery alone for superficial STS at the Tom Baker Cancer Center (TBCC) was performed. Patient and tumor characteristics as well as recurrence data were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients met study criteria. Local and overall recurrence rates were 7/61 (11.5%) and 12/61 (19.7%), respectively. The proportion with a T2 tumor was 38.8% versus 33.3% (P = 0.69), with Grade 2 or 3 tumors was 59.2% versus 83.3% (P = 0.14), and with resection margins <1 cm was 28.6% versus 75.0% (P = 0.008) for patients without and with recurrence, respectively. Median time to recurrence was 1.7 (0.4-5.2) years. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection alone appears to be a viable option for superficial STS that can save patients from potential side effects of radiation. The association between recurrence and inadequate margins (<1 cm) requires additional treatment be offered to this subset of patients.