title: [Lymph node clearing in cancer of the breast. Final results of a national survey].
abstract: The author sent out a questionnaire to all surgeons who were likely to be operating on cancers of the breast; breast surgeons, gynaecologists and general surgeons in France. He was able to contact more than a third of all those who operate for cancer of the breast in France each year. The author analysed the present situation in regard to lymphatic clearance in cancers of the breast. He tried to establish what the indications and the technique are that are used at present. He could emphasize those where there was a consensus of opinion, areas where there was disagreement, and he was able to analyse the complications and how in the end to prevent them. The results show that axillary clearance is at present the best recognised prognostic step that can and it is virtually unanimously recognised to be effective. Axillary lymph node clearance is the most commonly practised procedure: the first two stages of Berg grade I and II are explored. It is quite clear that the nerve to the serratus anterior muscle and to the latissimus dorsalis have to be preserved. The accessory nerve to the medial brachial cutaneous nerve which supplies the internal surface of the arm should usually be preserved wherever possible to lessen the paresthesias or lack of sensation that can occur on the inner surface of the arm. Lymphocele occurs as the most common complication (12%). Internal mammary clearance is rarely carried out.
authors.affiliation: Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier, Thonon-les-Bains.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salvat
mesh_terms: D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
vernacular_title: Le curage ganglionnaire dans les cancers du sein. Résultats définitifs d'une enquête nationale.