This operation is performed if you have had a sample of lymph nodes removed and one of those nodes contained melanoma cells.

A complete lymph node dissection is the surgical removal of all the lymph nodes in a specific region (neck, armpit or groin).

• The side effects which might accompany a complete lymph node dissection may include the following.
• Swelling in the limb (lymphoedema) or area nearest the dissection site.
• Loss of sensation in and around the site of surgery as well as in the areas immediately adjacent to the operative site. Some degree of loss of sensation maybe permanent.
• Distortion of the natural anatomy in the operative site. This is a consequence of surgery which cannot be totally avoided, but which your surgeon makes every attempt to minimise without compromising the effectiveness of the surgery.
• Increased susceptibility to infection in the involved limb if injury occurs. This will require more attention to skin cuts or abrasions in the involved area in future.