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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

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Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Sentinel lymph node mapping as a side-effect of colonoscopic tattooing
Hanno Spatz1, Andreas Probst, Daniel Oruzio
1Department of Visceral Surgery, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
Surgical Endoscopy
|July 28, 2009
Summary
Colonoscopic tattooing, used for colorectal cancer localization, shows promise for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping. This technique identified carbon-containing lymph nodes (CcLNs) in 81% of cases, aiding in metastasis detection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Accurate tumor localization is critical for effective colorectal cancer surgery.
- Preoperative colonoscopic tattooing aids intraoperative lesion visualization in open and laparoscopic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate colonoscopic tattooing as a method for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in colorectal cancer.
- To assess the feasibility and accuracy of identifying carbon-containing lymph nodes (CcLNs) using this technique.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 21 cases (5 prospective, 16 retrospective) with colonoscopic tattooing and subsequent surgery.
- Histological assessment of all lymph nodes for metastasis and carbon particles.
- Immunohistochemistry performed on lymph nodes from malignant cases for enhanced detection.
Main Results:
- Colonoscopic tattooing successfully identified carbon-containing lymph nodes (CcLNs) in 17 out of 21 cases (81% detection rate).
- The mean number of identified CcLNs was 2 (range 1-6).
- One case initially N0 was upstaged to N1 (mi) after detecting a micrometastasis in a CcLN via immunohistochemistry.
Conclusions:
- Colonoscopic tattooing demonstrates potential as a technique for SLN mapping in colorectal cancer.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to establish the clinical significance of this method.
