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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Ex vivo sentinel lymph node "mapping" in colorectal cancer
P M van Schaik1, J C van der Linden, M F Ernst
1Department of Surgery, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Tolbrugstraat 11, 5211 RW 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. pvanschaik@hotmail.com
Summary
Ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping is feasible for colorectal cancer, showing high sensitivity and negative predictive value. This technique can accurately identify metastatic lymph nodes, aiding in patient staging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Colorectal cancer diagnosis and staging are critical for treatment planning.
- Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a key technique for detecting metastasis.
- Ex vivo mapping offers a novel approach to SLN identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and reliability of ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping.
- To evaluate the accuracy of this technique in colorectal cancer patients.
- To determine the potential for upstaging based on SLN analysis.
Main Methods:
- 44 patients with colorectal cancer underwent curative surgery.
- Patent Blue Dye was injected submucosally for ex vivo mapping.
- Sentinel lymph nodes were identified and analyzed for metastases.
Main Results:
- SLN mapping was successful in 96% (colon) and 94% (rectal) of patients.
- 100% sensitivity and 100% negative predictive value were achieved.
- 30% of Dukes B colorectal cancer patients were upstaged after SLN analysis.
Conclusions:
- Ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping is technically feasible for colorectal cancer.
- The technique demonstrates high sensitivity, negative predictive value, and upstaging rates.
- Further research is needed to correlate micro-metastasis detection with survival and recurrence.
