[Sentinel lymph node mapping in early-stage cervical cancer]

The aim of this study was to determine the utilization and usefulness of intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel node identification with Patent blau in early stage cervical cancer.

Prospective case observational study.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University, 2nd Medical Faculty, Faculty Hospital Motol, Prague.

From February 2000 to July 2002, 100 patients undergoing surgery for early cervical cancer were included, 21 patients undergoing SNI (sentat laparoscopy and 79 patients undergoing SNI at the time of radical abdominal hysterectomy after installation of blue dye (PatentBlau V 2.5%). We carefully inspected the lymphatic channels and sentinel nodes and performed a preoperative frozen section of sentinel nodes. Finally, complete lymphadenectomy was done.

There was one false-negative result in the group of 100 women. In the group of tumors less than 20 mm the detection rate was 90.5% when laparoscopic detection was performed and 91.7% in laparotomic detection. In tumors more than 20 mm the detection rate was 80% and in the group of 25 women with "bulky" tumors IB2 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy the detection was 60% only. We analysed locoregional distribution of 176 sentinel lymph nodes in 75 women not undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and distribution of 20 positive sentinel nodes.

Detection of sentinel nodes in early stages of cervical carcinomas using patent blue dye is a easy-to-perform, feasible and cheap method. Additional studies are necessary using radioisotope to improve detection rate. Another prospective studies should evaluate the role of SNI in reduction in surgical radicality.