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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Single-port Non-liposuction Endoscopic Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: April 3, 2026
Sentinel lymph node biopsy after previous axillary surgery: A review.
M S Kothari1, J E Rusby, A A Agusti
1Academic Breast Surgery Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, UK. m.kothari@doctors.org.uk
Summary
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is feasible for breast cancer relapse after prior axillary surgery. It can safely identify node-negative patients, avoiding axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in selected cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Breast Cancer Management
Background:
- Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) utility is debated in breast cancer.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is standard for primary diagnosis.
- Axillary management at local relapse remains less defined, often involving routine ALND.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of SLNB in the re-operative setting for breast cancer.
- To develop an axillary management algorithm for in-breast local relapse.
- To restrict ALND to node-positive recurrent breast cancers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published reports on SLNB at local breast cancer relapse.
- Inclusion of women with prior axillary surgery (biopsy, SLNB, sampling, or ALND).
Main Results:
- Six reports (327 cases) were identified; 61% had prior limited axillary surgery (<9 nodes).
- Overall SLN localisation success rate was 69% (227/327).
- In patients with prior limited surgery, SLN localisation was 83% (165/199), with 86% node-negative; no axillary recurrences were observed with negative SLN post-reoperation.
Conclusions:
- SLNB is feasible and safe in the re-operative setting for breast cancer.
- Successful SLN localisation is influenced by the extent of prior axillary surgery.
- SLNB can help select patients for whom ALND may be avoided at local relapse.
