The endoscopic axillary dissection in the treatment of invasive breast cancer. First experience with a new technique

The presence or absence of involved axillary lymph nodes is the single best predictor of survival of breast cancer, and important treatment decisions are based on it. For staging purpose as well as for local control a level I and II dissection is recommended. In order to lower the morbidity of axill ary lymph node dissection less invasive treatment modalities have been eval uated. Beside the sentinel lymph node biopsy another new methode is discuss ed: the endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection. After liposuction of the axillary fat the lymph nodes of level I and II are removed by endoscopy. W ith this technique enough lymph node can be removed which allows a sufficie nt staging as well as local control. This technique is not to be recommende d for general use unless long term results have proven its value.