Combined robotic inguinal and iliac-obturator lymphadenectomy for stage III skin cancers: Surgical technique and preliminary results

Abstract

Background: Ilio-inguinal lymphadenectomy for stage III melanoma and skin cancers still represents the best therapeutic option for a subset of patients, although the incidence of post-operative complications is dramatically high. Only a paucity of papers on robotic approach have been published, reporting experiences on isolated pelvic or inguinal lymphadenectomy, and no series on combined dissections have been described yet. We present the preliminary results achieved with combined robotic approach, with special emphasis on lymph nodal mapping, dissection technique and postoperative complications linked with the lymphatic system. Methods: Between September 2019 and September 2021, 10 patients were submitted to robotic inguinal and iliac-obturator lymphadenectomy. Results: Post-operative course was characterised by early mobilisation and minimal post-operative pain. Only one lymphoedema occurred and lymph nodal harvesting was more than satisfactory. Conclusions: Robotic surgery provides meticulous lymph nodal dissections, with promising functional and oncologic outcomes. Further series are advocated to confirm these preliminary results.