Scalene lymph node dissection in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: is it reasonable or unnecessary?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the routine use of scalene lymph node dissection to determine the degree of disease spread in women with stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer treated at our hospital.


METHODS
Patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma underwent para-aortic lymph node dissection via the extraperitoneal approach. Patients with clinical evidence of scalene or supraclavicular node metastasis were excluded. If their para-aortic nodes were tumor-positive, patients underwent scalene lymph node dissection.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight scalene lymph node samplings were performed. Three patients had microscopically positive scalene lymph nodes (10.7%). In one patient the thoracic duct was injured.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with cervical carcinoma whose only extrapelvic site of metastases is the para-aortic lymph nodes may be eligible for scalene lymph node dissection as part of their pretreatment assessment, especially if extended field radiation is considered.
Boran
Nurettin
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SSK Ankara Maternity Hospital, Turkey.
Kayikçioğlu
Fulya
F
Tulunay
Gokhan
G
Kose
M Faruk
MF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008220:Lymphography; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*