Endoscopic sentinel node detection with a gamma probe combined with minimally invasive axillary lymph node dissection: a preliminary study

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of videoendoscopic axillary lymph no de dissection combined with endoscopic sentinel node detection by gamma pro be and preoperative sentinel node imaging. Design: Open study. Setting: University hospital, Germany. Subjects: Four patients with breast cancer. Intervention: Injection of Tc-99m-nanocolloid around the tumour. Results: In three patients axillary sentinel nodes were detected both befor e and after operation. In the remaining one it was not found. In two patien ts the minimally invasive approach had to be converted to conventional open surgery because of anatomical restrictions. Conclusion: We describe a new approach that uses a minimally invasive techn ique and endoscopic radioguided sentinel node biopsy in patients with breas t cancer. The results of this preliminary study warrant further investigati on.