Multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses in reducing the risk of lymphedema in melanoma patients undergoing complete lymph node dissection. A retrospective case-control study

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an indispensable surgical procedure in staging and management of intermediate-to-thick melanomas. Although recent studies have demonstrated that complete lymph node dissection (CLND) does not improve 3-year specific survival, its utility in increasing the disease-free period and the control of local disease remains confirmed. The most frequent complication related to CLND is lymphedema, which may affect up to 20% of patients undergoing CLND. The preventive use of lymphatic-venous micro-anastomoses could avoid this complication.