Effect on oximetry of dyes used for sentinel lymph node biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
There are differences between readings of peripheral blood oxygen saturation when the effect on saturation values of methylene blue is compared with that of isosulfan blue when used in sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer.


METHODS
Prospective randomized study.


METHODS
University tertiary care center.


METHODS
Thirty-two women undergoing surgery for breast cancer using sentinel lymph node biopsy.


METHODS
Sentinel lymph node biopsy using methylene blue (16 patients) and isosulfan blue (16 patients); there was also a control group of 6 surgical patients in whom dyes were not used.


METHODS
Peripheral saturation of blood using pulse oximetry, oxygen saturation by blood-gas analysis, partial oxygen pressure by blood-gas analysis, and plasma dye levels, recorded before dye injection and 15, 30, and 60 minutes afterward.


RESULTS
The 2 dyes interfered with the peripheral saturation reading, but only isosulfan blue showed significant differences. The differences in blood-gas analysis values between the 2 groups and with regard to the controls were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Methylene blue interferes less than isosulfan blue in the peripheral saturation reading. Desaturation is factitious in both cases, and does not correspond to alterations in blood-gas analysis values.
Piñero
Antonio
A
Department of General Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain. apm.cg@ono.com
Illana
Julián
J
García-Palenciano
Carlos
C
Cañizarese
Francisco
F
Canteras
Manuel
M
Cañadillas
Victoria
V
Durán
Eugenia
E
Parilla
Pascual
P
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010092:Oximetry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004396:Coloring Agents; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; C025484:iso-sulfan blue; D010100:Oxygen; D008751:Methylene Blue