Surgical-site infection following lymph node excision indicates susceptibility for lymphedema: a retrospective cohort study of malignant melanoma patients

Cancer-related lymphedema is a common complication following lymph node excision. Prevention of lymphedema is essential, as treatment options are limited. Known risk factors are firmly anchored to the cancer treatment itself; however potentially preventable factors such as seroma and surgical-site infection (SSI) have yet to be asserted.