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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
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Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Endoscopic sentinel node detection with a gamma probe combined with minimally invasive axillary lymph node
K J Winzer1, V Ivancevic, S Fischer
1Clinic of Surgery, University Hospital Charité, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.
The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica
|February 24, 2001
Summary
This study explored a minimally invasive technique for breast cancer surgery using videoendoscopic axillary lymph node dissection and endoscopic sentinel node biopsy. While promising, further research is needed due to conversion to open surgery in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Axillary lymph node status is critical for breast cancer staging and treatment.
- Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly sought to reduce surgical morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel videoendoscopic approach for axillary lymph node dissection.
- To assess the combined use of endoscopic sentinel node detection with gamma probe and preoperative imaging.
Main Methods:
- An open study was conducted at a university hospital involving four breast cancer patients.
- The technique involved injecting 99mTc-nanocolloid around the tumor for sentinel node identification.
- Videoendoscopic axillary lymph node dissection and endoscopic sentinel node biopsy were performed.
Main Results:
- Axillary sentinel nodes were successfully detected pre- and post-operatively in three out of four patients.
- One patient did not have their sentinel node detected.
- Two patients required conversion to conventional open surgery due to anatomical limitations.
Conclusions:
- A new minimally invasive approach combining videoendoscopic axillary lymph node dissection and endoscopic radioguided sentinel node biopsy was described.
- This preliminary study suggests potential but requires further investigation to confirm efficacy and refine the technique.
