Challenging the Contraindications of Minimally Invasive Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection: Report of 2 Cases.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic inguinal dissection is an emerging procedure utilizing minimally invasive technology to perform inguinal dissections aiming to avoid skin complications. Despite numerous reports there seems to be no consensus on inclusion and exclusion criteria, raising the question of when and when not to choose the minimally invasive technique. We compare the inclusion and exclusion criteria in published literature, and present our experience with 2 challenging cases; 1 with skin infiltration and the other with a previous lymphadenectomy scar. MATERIALS AND METHODS We present 2 cases where this procedure was performed, despite limited nodal skin infiltration in the first case, and presence of a fresh scar of a previous biopsy and recent history of chemotherapy treatment in the second case. RESULTS Despite skin infiltration by inguinal nodes, endoscopic inguinal dissection was performed and the attached skin was excised and delivered with the lymph nodes through the incision in the first case. Presence of a fresh scar and history of chemotherapy did not affect the outcomes in the second case, albeit fibrosis and adhesions. CONCLUSIONS Skin infiltration, previous lymphadenectomy, and previous groin therapy might not represent absolute contraindications in selected cases and in the hands of experienced surgeons.