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Groin dissection versus groin radiation in carcinoma of the vulva: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine if groin radiation was superior to and less morbid than groin dissection. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Members of the Gynecologic Oncology Group randomized 58 patients with squamous carcinoma of the vulva and nonsuspicious (N0-1) inguinal nodes to receive either groin dissection or groin radiation, each in conjunction with radical vulvectomy. Radiation therapy consisted of a dose of 50 Gray given in daily 200 centiGray fractions to a depth of 3 cm below the anterior skin surface. RESULTS: The study was closed prematurely when interim monitoring revealed an excessive number of groin relapses on the groin radiation regimen. Metastatic involvement of the groin nodes was projected to occur in 24% of patients based on this Group's previous experience. On the groin dissection regimen, there were 5/25 (20.0%) patients with positive groin nodes. These patients received post-operative radiation. There were five groin relapses among the 27 (18.5%) patients on the groin radiation regimen and none on the groin dissection regimen. The groin dissection regimen had significantly better progression-free interval (p = 0.03) and survival (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Radiation of the intact groins as given in this study is significantly inferior to groin dissection in patients with squamous carcinoma of the vulva and N0-1 nodes.

Adult

Morbidity and recurrence with modifications of radical vulvectomy and groin dissection.

Vulvar carcinoma has been managed in recent years with modifications of radical vulvectomy and groin dissection. Separate groin incisions, superficial inguinal lymphadenectomy, unilateral groin dissection, and wide excision have been utilized to reduce the morbidity of treatment. In this study, the surgical management of 82 patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma was reviewed in order to assess morbidity and risk of recurrence. A modification of radical vulvectomy and groin dissection was employed in 67 patients, while 15 patients underwent classical en-bloc vulvar and groin dissection. Wound complications of the vulva occurred in 1 of 12 patients undergoing hemivulvectomy, in 8 of 55 undergoing radical vulvectomy, and in 7 of 15 who had en-bloc vulvar resection and groin dissection (P = 0.01). Among the 46 patients undergoing bilateral groin dissection through separate incisions, groin breakdown, lymphocyst, and lymphedema occurred in 10 (22%), 7 (15%), and 7 (15%), versus 0, 1 (7%), and 2 (13%) of the 15 who had unilateral groin dissection. Modification of vulvar resection did not increase the risk of local recurrence. Groin recurrence developed in 2 of 15 patients who underwent en-bloc groin dissection and in 1 of 46 who underwent bilateral groin dissection through separate incisions. Two of 15 who had a unilateral groin dissection recurred in the contralateral groin. The risk of recurrence as well as morbidity following modifications of radical vulvectomy with groin dissection should be considered when planning treatment.

Aged

Groin dissection in the treatment of lower-extremity melanoma. Short-term and long-term morbidity.

Groin dissection was performed in 151 consecutive patients from 1970 to 1984. Groin dissections were therapeutic in 138 cases (91%) and elective in 13 (9%). One hundred forty-three patients (95%) underwent an ilioinguinal node dissection, while eight (5%) were treated with an inguinal node dissection. In 88 patients, the groin dissection was combined with isolated regional perfusion. Primary wound closure was performed in 140 patients (93%). There was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Complications included temporary seroma (26 [17%] of 151 patients), wound infection (14 patients [9%]), wound necrosis (five patients [3%]), and edema (30 patients [20%]). Residual inguinal node metastases after groin dissection did not occur. Morbidity of groin dissection did not increase when the groin dissection was combined with isolated regional perfusion. Quantification of the degree of edema in 66 patients revealed functional limitation due to edema in three patients (4.5%). This technique of groin dissection gives good results with minimal functional morbidity of the affected leg.

Adolescent

Groin flap design and versatility.

The groin flap is a reliable and well-established reconstructive option for pedicled or free-tissue transfer. Concern regarding its variable vascular origin and caliber has limited its use. To overcome this, a simplified guideline based on the transverse diameter of the patient's index and long fingers at the distal interphalangeal level has been developed. Thus "rule of two finger widths" positions the origin of the vascular pedicle from the femoral vessels two finger widths below the inguinal ligament, the upper flap border two finger widths above the inguinal ligament, the lower flap border two finger widths below the vascular origin, and both parallel to the flap axis, which lies along a line from the vascular origin to the anterosuperior iliac spine. This new groin flap design provides the necessary guidelines for vascular identification, accommodates pediatric and adult stature, and ensures primary donor-site closure if flap dimensions are within the prescribed boundaries. In addition, a new sartorius-cutaneous groin flap is presented. This combines the cutaneous groin flap with the proximal sartorius muscle (up to 15 cm), which is supplied by the deep vessels of the superficial circumflex iliac system. The sartorius-cutaneous groin flap further emphasizes the concept of single-pedicle compound or combined flaps and additionally enhances the extensive reconstructive versatility of previously described groin flaps. Over 200 pedicled and free groin flaps have been performed according to the "rule of two finger widths" over the past 5 years. There have been no complications related to flap design, such as difficulty with flap elevation, marginal necrosis, or donor-site closure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Abdominal musculature abnormalities as a cause of groin pain in athletes. Inguinal hernias and pubalgia.

There has been increasing interest within the European sports medicine community regarding the etiology and treatment of groin pain in the athlete. Groin pain is most commonly caused by musculotendinous strains of the adductors and other muscles crossing the hip joint, but may also be related to abdominal wall abnormalities. Cases may be termed "pubalgia" if physical examination does not reveal inguinal hernia and there is an absence of other etiology for groin pain. We present nine cases of patients who underwent herniorrhaphies for groin pain. Two patients had groin pain without evidence of a hernia preoperatively (pubalgia). In the remaining seven patients we determined the presence of a hernia by physical examination. At operation, eight patients were found to have inguinal hernias. One patient had no hernia but had partial avulsion of the internal oblique fibers from their insertion at the public tubercle. The average interval from operation to return to full activity was 11 weeks. All patients returned to full activity within 3 months of surgery. One patient had persistent symptoms of mild incisional tenderness, but otherwise there were no recurrences, complications, or persistence of symptoms. Abnormalities of the abdominal wall, including inguinal hernias and microscopic tears or avulsions of the internal oblique muscle, can be an overlooked source of groin pain in the athlete. Operative treatment of this condition with herniorrhaphy can return the athlete to his sport within 3 months.

Abdominal Muscles

Vascular reconstruction at the groin: oblique or vertical incisions?

Incisions for vascular access at the groin are usually vertical. Because such incisions cross the moist skin-crease area and disrupt lymphatics, they may be more prone to infection than oblique incisions placed above and parallel to the groin crease. To determine whether this was the case, 149 patients undergoing vascular reconstruction through a groin incision over a period of 30 months were studied. Those with previous groin incisions were excluded, and where an incision was necessary in both groins, each wound was studied separately. Over a 10-day postoperative period 5 of 85 vertical wounds developed infection with purulent discharge, whereas no oblique wounds (n = 82) became infected (P = 0.032). Oblique incisions for vascular access at the groin are associated with a decreased incidence of wound infection compared with conventional vertical incisions.

Adult

Surgical management of difficult wounds of the groin.

Coverage of large defects of the soft tissue of the groin present a challenging problem. Exposure of the femoral vessels or prosthetic grafts requires urgent coverage with well vascularized tissue. The medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries supply the gracilis, sartorius, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and tensor fascia lata muscles, permitting the use of these muscles or myocutaneous flaps for coverage of groin defects when the femoral artery is intact. With extensive wounds of the groin resulting from trauma, ablation of carcinoma and vascular reconstruction for atherosclerosis involving the femoral vessels, the aforementioned flaps cannot be used. The external iliac artery supplies the rectus abdominis muscle through the deep inferior epigastric artery and the interal oblique muscle through the deep circumflex iliac artery. These muscle flaps are available when the femoral vessels are not intact. If the ipsilateral iliofemoral vessels are not intact, branches of the contralateral iliac artery through deep inferior epigastric artery and deep circumflex iliac artery provide suitable flaps for covering the groin wound. We review our experience with the management of difficult groin wounds (n = 31) and present a systematic approach to reconstruction of the groin based on these anatomic facts.

Female

Inguinal surgery for debilitating chronic groin pain in athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and surgically treat correctable inguinal injuries in athletes with chronic groin pain and to assess the results of surgical treatment. DESIGN: Sixty-four athletes presented between March 1987 and January 1990 for treatment of chronic groin pain in which surgical exploration of the inguinal canal was considered necessary. Follow-up was performed by questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patient self-assessment of the success of the operation, including postoperative pain, ability to return to active sport and any further treatment required. RESULTS: Sixty-four athletes were treated, Australian Rules footballers predominated (46/64, 72%). Eight athletes had bilateral groin pain. Fifty-nine (92%) reported an incipient onset of pain. The most common operative finding was of a substantially deranged posterior wall of the inguinal canal which was evident in 61/72 instances (85%). Apparent splitting of the conjoint tendon was found in 19 instances (26%) and previously occult indirect inguinal hernias were discovered in six (8%). Repair of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal was by the standard Bassini repair and Tanner slide or by plication of the transversalis fascia followed by a nylon darn. Follow-up by questionnaire of the 64 athletes revealed that 40 athletes (62.5%) considered themselves cured and had returned to competitive sport. Twenty athletes (31.3%) were partially satisfied with the results of their operation, and also able to return to active sport. Three athletes (4.7%) were dissatisfied with the operative result. One patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: The most common finding in athletes with chronic groin pain was a deficiency of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. Surgical exploration and repair of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal in athletes with chronic debilitating groin pain achieved excellent or good relief of pain in 93.8% of athletes and improved physical performance.

Adolescent

The effect of femoral arteriography on the incidence of groin contamination and postoperative infections.

A prospective study is presented on the effects of preoperative femoral arteriography on bacterial contamination and postoperative wound complications from groin incisions. Forty-four femoral reconstructive procedures (88 groin incisions) for aortoiliac disease were performed. Positive cultures occurred in 43.2% of patients and in 30.7% of the 88 incisions. There was no correlation found between the site of arteriography and positive cultures (Spearman correlation coefficient, p greater than .10). No correlation was found between the presence of hematoma due to arteriography and subsequent positive groin culture (Spearman correlation coefficient, p greater than .10). A higher incidence of positive cultures did occur for patients who had a difficult arteriographic procedure (Fisher's exact test, p = .020) or whose reconstructive procedure was greater than four hours (Fischer's exact test, p = .047). Seven patients had postoperative groin wound complications (15.9%), including three lymph leaks (6.8%) and four confirmed or suspected infections (9%). There were no graft infections. No correlation was found between the site of arteriography and the site of wound complication (Spearman correlation coefficient, p greater than .10). Neither positive culture results nor difficult arteriography nor presence of hematoma were accurate predictors of postoperative wound complications. We conclude that transfemoral arteriography does not increase the risk of complications of arterial reconstruction involving a femoral anastomosis.

Adult

The influence of groin sepsis on extraanatomic bypass patency in patients with prosthetic graft infection.

Twenty-seven vascular prosthetic graft infections in 25 patients were managed from 1981 through 1990 using the principles of extraanatomic bypass through uncontaminated fields and removal of the infected prosthesis. This experience included 18 aortic, three femoral-femoral, three femoral-popliteal, two axillofemoral grafts, and one popliteal endarterectomy patch. The predominant organism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (26%). Mean follow-up was 36 months. There was only one early and one late death, with two late amputations. Extraanatomic bypass grafts were placed in 21 of 25 patients including all 18 infected aortic grafts. Of these 21 patients, 11 (52%) experienced at least one extraanatomic bypass failure within 15 months, resulting directly in two major lower extremity amputations and two graft reinfections. Axillounifemoral bypass had a higher incidence of failure than axillobifemoral bypass (54% versus 29%). More importantly, however, extraanatomic graft failure was also associated with the presence of groin sepsis. The revision rate was 63% when the graft required circuitous tunneling to avoid groin sepsis, in contrast to a revision rate of only 17% when the graft could be anastomosed directly to the common femoral artery. Of extraanatomic bypass grafts that failed once, 63% had multiple failures. Graft removal and extraanatomic revascularization produced excellent overall results when not involving the groin. Late complications occurred more frequently when groin sepsis was present. These results suggest that, to reduce the incidence of late graft failure and amputation, more aggressive early direct reconstruction should be performed in lieu of atypical graft tunneling, especially if the extraanatomic graft has failed once and the causative organism is Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Bacterial Infections

Experience of 73 free groin flaps.

The free groin flap has gradually lost its popularity due to the disadvantages relating to the pedicle and the plethora of new donor sites. The purpose of this article is to re-evaluate this time-honoured free flap and to demonstrate its reliability and versatility through a review of 73 free groin flaps performed between 1985 and 1990. 7% of free transfers (total 1096 cases) in our institution were free groin flaps. The complication rate was 8% (three complete failures and three partial failures). This result is acceptable and not so high as other reports have described. The artery discrepancy is the main cause of the complication rate. Two special techniques to gain additional diameter of vessel size to overcome the pedicle disadvantages are stressed. The groin flap has proved to be useful and still deserves consideration in reconstructive procedures.

Adolescent

Proteeae groin skin carriage among nursing home residents--resistance to antiseptics.

Proteeae carriage was evaluated in groin skin carriers following vigorous antiseptic application. Three Proteus mirabilis carriers were treated with 60% isopropyl alcohol or 4% chlorhexidine, observed to prevent skin contact, and then recultured; at four and eight hours P mirabilis numbers remained undiminished. Ten Proteeae carriers received a series of nine body baths with soap, chlorhexidine, and 0.75% povidone-iodine plus three cefazolin injections over 16 to 34 days; cumulative treatments failed to clear seven carriers. Within three months, all were again carriers. Proteeae carriers also had affinity for groin carriage of various aerobic gram-negative bacilli (AGNB) including cefazolin-resistant strains. In seven subjects, more than one AGNB species were recovered shortly after applying an antiseptic. Proteeae groin skin carriage appears to reflect a major change in the nature of resident bacteria on intact groin skin.

Aged

Groin and hip pain due to fractures at or near the pubic symphysis.

Three patients with fractures at or near the pubic symphysis presented with groin pain simulating hip fracture or arthritis. A 71-year-old osteoarthritic woman was treated with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and exercises for right-sided sciatic pain after a minor fall, but developed left groin pain and tenderness over the pubic symphysis after two days of exercise. She had an impacted fracture of the left pubic symphysis which responded to use of a cane. The second patient was a 90-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (on steroids) who complained of right hip pain after a series of falls in her home. Initially treated with Buck traction for a presumed hip fracture, she was later treated with heat and exercises after negative hip x-rays were obtained. Retrospective analysis of pelvic films and bone scan revealed a right pubic symphysis fracture. The third patient was an 83-year-old rheumatoid arthritic woman with inability to walk secondary to left groin pain. Pubic tomograms revealed disruption of the superior aspect, and bone scan showed increased uptake of the left pubic bone. She was treated with moist heat, rest, and NSAID. Twenty-four cases of os pubis fractures without major trauma or symphysis disruption have been reported. All patients had osteoporosis, and six had rheumatoid arthritis. Our three cases are presented to increase awareness of pubic symphysis fractures as a cause for groin pain, especially in patients with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Aged

Groin wound infection after arterial surgery.

Fifty-six patients, 30 with superficial and 19 with deep groin wound infections, and seven with lymph fistulae with positive cultures within 30 days of arterial surgery, were identified after 661 operations (873 groins at risk) between September 1984 and August 1988. The commonest infecting organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. In 33 patients the infection settled completely after treatment with culture specific antibiotics. These were given intravenously then orally for up to 6 weeks. Sixteen patients required debridement and excision of necrotic wound edges, including one who had an antibiotic infusion into the wound. Graft excision was performed in seven patients of whom five received an extra anatomic bypass. The need for graft excision was much greater (six versus one) for Dacron and/or polytetrafluoroethylene than for vein. In two lymph fistulae sartorius transposition and wound resuture were used. All groins healed, though three extremities were ischaemic following occlusion of the bypass. There were two deaths, one from myocardial infarction and one from pulmonary embolism and no major amputations. These results suggest that most infective groin problems may be successfully managed conservatively and that radical graft excision is only necessary for a few intractable cases.

Aged

Complicated presentations of groin hernias.

Elective repair of simple (uncomplicated) inguinal and femoral hernias avoids incarceration and bowel obstruction (complicated presentations). To identify factors that perturb this strategy, we analyzed the records of 1,859 consecutive nonpediatric patients with groin hernias. Incarceration or bowel obstruction prompted operation in 22 of 77 (29%) women and in 15 of 34 (44%) patients with femoral hernia. Patients presenting with bowel obstruction were significantly older than those with incarceration only and/or uncomplicated presentation, and 13 of 25 (52%) required resection of necrotic bowel. Mortality was limited to five patients of advanced age with groin hernia and bowel obstruction. Four of the five patients had undergone resection of necrotic bowel. Complicated presentations of groin hernias are associated with a higher proportion of women and patients with femoral hernias. Gangrenous bowel was encountered only in those patients with groin hernia and bowel obstruction. Early diagnosis and elective repair of uncomplicated hernias should remain our strategy in patients of all ages.

Adolescent

The intravenous fluorescein test: use in timing of groin flap division.

Successful division or delay of the arterial groin flap requires an accurate prediction of viability. The fluorescein dye test is an objective test to determine the earliest possible time a pedicle can be divided. It is an easy, quick, and comfortable test that can be repeated many times without injuring or altering the flap. It consists of an intravenous injection of fluorescein while the pedicle is temporarily and reversibly occluded. All areas with adequate revascularization fluoresce under ultraviolet light. In three groin flaps intended for hand resurfacing, interval fluorescence testing was the sole criterion for successful pedicle division. In an experimental neurovascular island skin flap in the rat, the validity of the fluorescein test was confirmed. In the clinical situation and in the experimental model, fluorescence is an accurate indicator of groin flap revascularization and a predictor for the timing of safe and early groin flap division.

Animals

Management of groin hernias in patients with ascites.

The records of 18 cirrhotic patients with ascites and groin hernias (20 inguinal and one femoral) were retrospectively reviewed. Eleven patients underwent repair of their groin hernias (total of 13 repairs). Ten herniorrhaphies were performed electively, two were performed urgently because of recent difficult reduction, and one was performed emergently for incarceration without strangulation. No major and four minor postoperative complications occurred. There were no perioperative deaths or ascites leaks. Of the 13 hernias in 11 patients undergoing repair, 12 (92%) were available for follow-up. In this group, the 12 groin hernia repairs were followed for a mean of 25 months. One recurrence (8%) occurred 11 months after repair. In this same group of patients, five umbilical hernias were repaired, with three recurrences (60%). From this retrospective study, it appears that serious complications from groin hernias in cirrhotics are not common, and elective repair can usually await control of ascites. Additionally, for appropriately selected patients with ascites, elective inguinal hernia repair can be performed safely, with an acceptable rate of recurrence.

Adult

The value of herniography in elderly women with groin pain of obscure origin.

In 64 women aged 60-90 (mean 69) years with groin pain of obscure origin (no palpable mass), the diagnostic contribution of positive-contrast herniography was retrospectively evaluated. Groin hernia was found in 28 patients (44%), and was judged to have caused the pain in 18 of them. In 13 of these patients herniorrhaphy relieved the symptoms, and in the other five surgery was contraindicated. The origin of the groin pain in the remaining 46 patients was judged to be musculoskeletal (21), intestinal (11), urogenital (3) or other (11). Herniography thus can substantially contribute in the clinical investigation of groin pain of unclear origin in elderly women.

Age Factors