Abstract
Purpose
The complications reported after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma is
highly variable in the worldwide literature; the overall complication rate varies
between 1.8% and 29.9%. With heterogeneous reporting of morbidity data, no ‘average’
complication rates of this procedure have been reported. This systematic review aims
to determine the complications rates associated with SLNB.
Methods
A systematic review of English-language literature from 2000 to 2015, which reported
morbidity information about SLNB for melanoma, was performed. The methodological quality
of the included studies was performed using the methodological index for non-randomised
studies (MINORS) instrument and Detsky score. Pooled proportions of specific post-operative
complications were constructed using a random effects statistical model, and subgroups
including lymph node basin and continent of origin of the study were compared.
Results
After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles progressed to the
final analysis. 9047 patients were included. The overall complication rate was 11.3%
(95% CI: 8.1–15.0). The incidence of infection was 2.9% (95% CI 1.5–4.6); seroma 5.1%
(95% CI: 2.5–8.6); haematoma 0.5% (95% CI: 0.3–0.9) lymphoedema 1.3% (95% CI: 0.5–2.6)
and nerve injury 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1–0.6). There was no statistically significant difference
in morbidity between the sites of SLNB or between continents.
Discussion
This study provides information about the incidence of complications after SLNB. It
can be used to counsel patients about the procedure and it sets a benchmark against
which surgeons can audit their practice.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 11, 2016
Accepted:
June 22,
2016
Identification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
