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.


METHODS
Open study.


METHODS
University hospital, Germany.


METHODS
Four patients with breast cancer.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Winzer
K J
KJ
Clinic of Surgery, University Hospital Charité, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.
Ivancevic
V
V
Fischer
S
S
Guski
H
H
Munz
D L
DL
Müller
J M
JM
D001365:Axilla / Q000601:surgery; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000379:methods*
D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin; C083602:technetium Tc 99m nanocolloid