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 node dissection combined with endoscopic sentinel node detection by gamma probe and preoperative sentinel node imaging.

DESIGN

Open study.

SETTING

University hospital, Germany.

SUBJECTS: Four patients with breast cancer.

INTERVENTION: Injection of 99mTc-nanocolloid around the tumour.

RESULTS

In three patients axillary sentinel nodes were detected both before and after operation. In the remaining one it was not found. In two patients 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 technique and endoscopic radioguided sentinel node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. The results of this preliminary study warrant further investigation.