ORIGINAL ARTICLE – MELANOMAS Risk Factors for Positive Deep Pelvic Nodal Involvement in Patients with Palpable Groin Melanoma Metastases:

Background. Patients with palpable melanoma groin metastases have a poor prognosis. There is debate whether a combined superficial and deep groin dissection (CGD) is necessary or if superficial groin dissection (SGD) alone is sufficient. Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors for deep pelvic nodal involvement in a retrospective, multi-center cohort of palpable groin melanoma metastases. This could aid in the development of an algorithm for selective surgery in the future. Methods. This study related to 209 therapeutic CGDs from four tertiary centers in The Netherlands (1992–2013), selected based on complete preoperative imaging and pathology reports. Analyzed risk factors included baselin