Credentialing issues with sentinel lymph node staging for breast cancer

Sentinel lymphadenectomy (SL) is a minimally invasive approach for staging patients with breast cancer. SL, when performed in lieu of axillary dissect ion, is associated with less morbidity and is potentially more cost effecti ve and more accurate than the historical axillary dissection in the detecti on of regional nodal metastases. The credentialing and privileging of SL, a s with any surgical procedure, is by the policies of the local hospital or institution. The suggested credentialing criteria for local hospitals has b een an area of controversy. Herein the authors outline the credentialing co ntroversy and suggest criteria for the implementation of sentinel lymph nod e staging for breast cancer. (C) 2000 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.