Less is more: transmammary axillary lymph node evaluation: an initial clinical experience

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Cancer Surgery

Background:

• Standard axillary node dissection causes significant morbidity.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) reduces morbidity but can still cause lymphedema (up to 7%).
• Transmammary axillary lymph node evaluation (TANE) uses the breast incision for SLNB, potentially decreasing complications and improving cosmesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of performing partial mastectomy and SLNB via a single incision using the TANE technique.
• To evaluate the potential benefits of TANE in reducing morbidity and improving cosmetic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study.
• Patients underwent partial mastectomy and SLNB via a single incision (TANE).
• SLNB was performed either before or after the breast specimen removal.

Main Results:

• TANE was successful in 43 out of 44 patients (97.73% technical success rate).
• Mean patient age was 57.6 years; average tumor size was 1.57 cm.
• No perioperative complications were observed; cosmetic benefits of a single incision were noted.

Conclusions:

• The TANE procedure is a feasible technique for SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection.
• The procedure achieved high technical success rates and yielded standard node counts.
• TANE offers a cosmetic advantage and may reduce morbidity; further studies are needed to confirm these benefits.