P. Schrenk et al., CLINICAL-APPLICATION OF LYMPHATIC MAPPING AND SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY INPATIENTS WITH BREAST-CANCER, Chirurg, 69(10), 1998, pp. 1072-1076
Sentinel lymph node (SN) biopsy in primary breast cancer seems to be a
n alternative to complete axillary lymph node dissection for evaluatio
n of the axillary lymph node status in selected patients. Following ev
aluation of the technique of SN biopsy, we applied SN biopsy clinicall
y to 23 selected patients. A lymphoscintigraphy was performed preopera
tively to evaluate lymphatic drainage. The SN was identified in the op
erating room by use of a hand-held gamma camera and a blue vital dye.
The SN was found in all 23 patients. In 17/23 the SN was tumor free an
d no axillary dissection was performed; 6/23 showed a positive SN and
complete axillary dissection was done. Intraoperative lymphatic mappin
g and SN biopsy may be the treatment of choice for evaluation of axill
ary node status in selected patients, for it combines accurate nodal s
taging and low morbidity.