title: Scalene lymph node dissection in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: is it reasonable or unnecessary?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SSK Ankara Maternity Hospital, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nurettin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Boran
authors.forename: Fulya
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kayikçioğlu
authors.forename: Gokhan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tulunay
authors.forename: M Faruk
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Kose
mesh_terms: 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*