[Is sentinel node biopsy in skin melanoma patients safe?]

Sentinel node biopsy allow for detection metastases to regional lymph nodes in subclinical phase. The method is currently implemented into clinical practice in Poland.

Type and incidence of complications of sentinel node biopsy in skin melanoma patients. From 01.12.1999 to 01.08.2001 in 80 skin melanoma patients sentinel node biopsy were performed. Patients with excised primary focus and without symptoms of regional and distant metastases were enrolled. There were 42 women (52.5%) and 38 men (47.5%) in studied group (age range: 25-87 years, mean 57, median 58.5). Tumor thickness ranged from 0.5 to 20 mm (mean 3.6, median 2.25). In all patients preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative dying and intraoperative detection of gamma radiation were used. Identified sentinel nodes were removed for pathologic examination. Type and incidence of complications were noted. No complications of lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative dying were observed. In 3 patients (3.7%) intraoperative hemorrhage occurred. No complications were observed in remaining 77 patients. Early postoperative complications were: hematoma (1 patient--1.25%), transient lymphocele (9 patients--11.25%), lymphoedema of extremity (7 patients--8.75%). In 66 of 80 patients in whom selective lymphadenectomy were not performed, late postoperative complications were: persistent lymphoedema of extremity (2 patients of 66--3.0%) and persistent tatoo after dye injection (2 patients of 66--3.0%).

Sentinel node biopsy is a safe procedure. Incidence and severity of complications are low.