Sentinel lymph node biopsy in malignant melanoma: a series of 100 consecutive patients

A consecutive cohort of 100 patients who had undergone sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was analysed retrospectively. Three areas were studied: succe ss in finding the sentinel node(s); complications of the procedure; and ext ra costs incurred by SLNB. The sentinel node(s) were successfully identifie d in 98% of the lymph node basins biopsied. The overall complication rate w as 33%. The additional cost of the procedure was estimated at pound 1420 pe r patient. SLNB can reliably identify the sentinel node. However there is a significant complication rate of the technique and considerable additional costs. SLNB requires further critical evaluation before it can be accepted as a standard treatment for patients with malignant melanoma. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.