Complete endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection without liposuction for breast cancer: initial experience and...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Axillary lymph node status is critical for breast cancer staging and treatment decisions.
• Traditional axillary lymph node dissection can lead to significant morbidity.
• Endoscopic techniques offer potential for less invasive surgical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of complete endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection (EALND) in breast cancer patients.
• To assess the efficacy of EALND as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional dissection.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 4 breast cancer patients undergoing lumpectomy and complete EALND (levels I, III).
• Patients had small tumors (<2 cm) and negative lymph node status clinically and sonographically.
• Procedures were performed endoscopically without liposuction.

Main Results:

• All EALND procedures were completed endoscopically within 70 minutes.
• Axillary lymph node yield ranged from 12 to 21 nodes.
• No lymphedema, nerve damage, seroma, or wound complications were observed; one patient had prolonged hospitalization for lymphorrhoea. Mild hypoesthesia was reported in 2 patients, with no tumor recurrences during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Complete EALND appears to be a feasible and effective minimally invasive treatment for axillary management in selected breast cancer patients.
• The technique can be safely applied in specialized centers, potentially for patients with positive sentinel node biopsy.
• Further research is warranted to establish EALND as a standard treatment option.