minimally invasive lymphadectomy groin

I had this in November, also 3b. Local surgeon removed 10 nodes, we already knew 1 was positive. 3 weeks later, still revovering, I saw docs at MDAnderson for consult. Surgeon there said she would have removed all the nodes (gone much deeper in pelvis) because of size of positive node. Well… 2 months later PET lit up and needle biopsy confirmed lymph node at hip is positive. Going back to MDA next week to have them all removed. My lesson: get melanoma experts involved at the very beginning! But to answer your question, having the 10 groin nodes out wasn’t terrible. No pain meds, drain in for 5 weeks, some lymphedema for a few weeks after drain removed but I put on some bike shorts (per MDA revommendation, not local surgeon…he had no suggestions) and now it’s gone. I did make an appointment with lymphedema specialist but it resolved before I went. I anticipate needing her after this upcoming surgery though. If you need one make sure LANA certified. Good luck.

I had this in November, also 3b. Local surgeon removed 10 nodes, we already knew 1 was positive. 3 weeks later, still revovering, I saw docs at MDAnderson for consult. Surgeon there said she would have removed all the nodes (gone much deeper in pelvis) because of size of positive node. Well… 2 months later PET lit up and needle biopsy confirmed lymph node at hip is positive. Going back to MDA next week to have them all removed. My lesson: get melanoma experts involved at the very beginning! But to answer your question, having the 10 groin nodes out wasn’t terrible. No pain meds, drain in for 5 weeks, some lymphedema for a few weeks after drain removed but I put on some bike shorts (per MDA revommendation, not local surgeon…he had no suggestions) and now it’s gone. I did make an appointment with lymphedema specialist but it resolved before I went. I anticipate needing her after this upcoming surgery though. If you need one make sure LANA certified. Good luck.

I had this in November, also 3b. Local surgeon removed 10 nodes, we already knew 1 was positive. 3 weeks later, still revovering, I saw docs at MDAnderson for consult. Surgeon there said she would have removed all the nodes (gone much deeper in pelvis) because of size of positive node. Well… 2 months later PET lit up and needle biopsy confirmed lymph node at hip is positive. Going back to MDA next week to have them all removed. My lesson: get melanoma experts involved at the very beginning! But to answer your question, having the 10 groin nodes out wasn’t terrible. No pain meds, drain in for 5 weeks, some lymphedema for a few weeks after drain removed but I put on some bike shorts (per MDA revommendation, not local surgeon…he had no suggestions) and now it’s gone. I did make an appointment with lymphedema specialist but it resolved before I went. I anticipate needing her after this upcoming surgery though. If you need one make sure LANA certified. Good luck.

Hi.

I had macroscopic disease confirmed by ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of groiun node Nov 2015. Was advised to have inguinal groin clearance. Had 2nd opinion at cancer centre. Based on size of known node 3cm – then melanoma likely to be in deeper pelvic nodes.

Went for inguinal and pelvic clearance. They did this with 2 surgeons- colorectal did his surgery first laproscopically- tiny incisions- 4 ports either side oftummy button, tummy button and one below. The groin clearance was by a melanoma specialist plastic surgeon with a single incision just below crease of leg to torso.  Did get lymphoedema but not surprising as over weight and had a knee replacement on the same leg 2 months before. Had 2 drains and leg swelling started as soon as they were removed as well as seroma , lymphocele. Pathology revealed two positive nodes including one in pelvis. Was considered for radiation but consultant decided not in my best interests as no extracapsular extension from node.

Surgery involved only 2 night stay and was taught how to empty and measure drain output.

However, got placebo on stage 3 trial and progressed to liver mets Oct 2016. Benefits – of thee procedure are a matter of debate and research. I felt that if there was cancer there, I wanted rid of it..lost some of the feeling thigh to knee, and think they did a sartorious muscle switch which leaves a feeling of tightness when moving the leg certain directions.

Unlikely that finding more nodes would change treatment options. You may be offered IPI or trial for stage 3 as the risk of recurrence is high but we do not have any certainty about if or when this will happen. Some specialist centres are doing the inguinal procedure laproscopically with robot assistance but this takes longer in theatre and needs specialised kit and surgeon experience. Relevant questions would be how many procedures he or she has done this way. 

Best of luck with your treatment.

Deb

 

 

 

 

Hi.

I had macroscopic disease confirmed by ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of groiun node Nov 2015. Was advised to have inguinal groin clearance. Had 2nd opinion at cancer centre. Based on size of known node 3cm – then melanoma likely to be in deeper pelvic nodes.

Went for inguinal and pelvic clearance. They did this with 2 surgeons- colorectal did his surgery first laproscopically- tiny incisions- 4 ports either side oftummy button, tummy button and one below. The groin clearance was by a melanoma specialist plastic surgeon with a single incision just below crease of leg to torso.  Did get lymphoedema but not surprising as over weight and had a knee replacement on the same leg 2 months before. Had 2 drains and leg swelling started as soon as they were removed as well as seroma , lymphocele. Pathology revealed two positive nodes including one in pelvis. Was considered for radiation but consultant decided not in my best interests as no extracapsular extension from node.

Surgery involved only 2 night stay and was taught how to empty and measure drain output.

However, got placebo on stage 3 trial and progressed to liver mets Oct 2016. Benefits – of thee procedure are a matter of debate and research. I felt that if there was cancer there, I wanted rid of it..lost some of the feeling thigh to knee, and think they did a sartorious muscle switch which leaves a feeling of tightness when moving the leg certain directions.

Unlikely that finding more nodes would change treatment options. You may be offered IPI or trial for stage 3 as the risk of recurrence is high but we do not have any certainty about if or when this will happen. Some specialist centres are doing the inguinal procedure laproscopically with robot assistance but this takes longer in theatre and needs specialised kit and surgeon experience. Relevant questions would be how many procedures he or she has done this way. 

Best of luck with your treatment.

Deb

 

 

 

 

Hi.

I had macroscopic disease confirmed by ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of groiun node Nov 2015. Was advised to have inguinal groin clearance. Had 2nd opinion at cancer centre. Based on size of known node 3cm – then melanoma likely to be in deeper pelvic nodes.

Went for inguinal and pelvic clearance. They did this with 2 surgeons- colorectal did his surgery first laproscopically- tiny incisions- 4 ports either side oftummy button, tummy button and one below. The groin clearance was by a melanoma specialist plastic surgeon with a single incision just below crease of leg to torso.  Did get lymphoedema but not surprising as over weight and had a knee replacement on the same leg 2 months before. Had 2 drains and leg swelling started as soon as they were removed as well as seroma , lymphocele. Pathology revealed two positive nodes including one in pelvis. Was considered for radiation but consultant decided not in my best interests as no extracapsular extension from node.

Surgery involved only 2 night stay and was taught how to empty and measure drain output.

However, got placebo on stage 3 trial and progressed to liver mets Oct 2016. Benefits – of thee procedure are a matter of debate and research. I felt that if there was cancer there, I wanted rid of it..lost some of the feeling thigh to knee, and think they did a sartorious muscle switch which leaves a feeling of tightness when moving the leg certain directions.

Unlikely that finding more nodes would change treatment options. You may be offered IPI or trial for stage 3 as the risk of recurrence is high but we do not have any certainty about if or when this will happen. Some specialist centres are doing the inguinal procedure laproscopically with robot assistance but this takes longer in theatre and needs specialised kit and surgeon experience. Relevant questions would be how many procedures he or she has done this way. 

Best of luck with your treatment.

Deb

 

 

 

 

Good morning.  I had this offered to me five years ago when I had my CLND.  I opted for regular surgery, mostly because my surgeon at Sloan Kettering didn't offer it.  I would have probably opted for it.  I don't know if it effects the depth they can go to (my recollection was that it did not), but otherwise sounded lime a plausible option.  Like everything other decision when it comes to melanoma treatment, read what you can, ask your surgeon the questions you need answered and make your best nformed decision.  Good luck!

Good morning.  I had this offered to me five years ago when I had my CLND.  I opted for regular surgery, mostly because my surgeon at Sloan Kettering didn't offer it.  I would have probably opted for it.  I don't know if it effects the depth they can go to (my recollection was that it did not), but otherwise sounded lime a plausible option.  Like everything other decision when it comes to melanoma treatment, read what you can, ask your surgeon the questions you need answered and make your best nformed decision.  Good luck!

Good morning.  I had this offered to me five years ago when I had my CLND.  I opted for regular surgery, mostly because my surgeon at Sloan Kettering didn't offer it.  I would have probably opted for it.  I don't know if it effects the depth they can go to (my recollection was that it did not), but otherwise sounded lime a plausible option.  Like everything other decision when it comes to melanoma treatment, read what you can, ask your surgeon the questions you need answered and make your best nformed decision.  Good luck!