title: [Brazilian gamma detection device for sentinel lymph node biopsy].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test the effectiveness of an intra-operative gamma detection Brazilian device (IPEN) on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty melanoma or breast cancer patients with indication for undergoing SLNB were studied. Lymphoscintigraphy was done 2 to 24 hours prior to surgery. Lymphatic mapping with vital dye and gamma detection were performed intraoperatively. For gamma detection Neoprobe 1500 was used followed by IPEN (equipment under test) in the first 20 patients and for the remaining half IPEN was used first to verify its ability to locate the sentinel node (SN). Measurements were taken from the radiopharmaceutical product injection site, from SN (in vivo and ex vivo) and from background. It was recorded if the SN was stained or not and if it was found easily by surgeon.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 33 (82.5%) breast cancer and 7 (17.5%) melanoma patients. Ages varied from 21 to 68 year-old (median age of 46). Sex distribution was 35 (87.5%) women and 5 (12.5%) men. Sentinel node was found in all but one patient. There was no statistical difference between the reasons ex vivo/ background obtained with the measures of both equipments (p=0, 2583-ns). The SN was easily found by the surgeon with both devices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SLNB was successfully performed using either equipment. It was possible to do SLNB with the Brazilian device developed by IPEN without prejudice for the patient.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, BR. renato.prevencao@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Renato Santos
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: de Oliveira Filho
authors.forename: Andréia Bufoni
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Farah
authors.forename: Fábio Eduardo
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: da Costa
authors.forename: Fabio Xerfan
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Nahas
authors.forename: Daniel Arcuschin
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Renan Gianotto
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult