Nonliposuction Endoscopic Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Through the Periareolar Incision

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Innovation
• Breast Cancer Management

Background:

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a standard procedure for breast cancer staging.
• Traditional SLNB may be enhanced by minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.
• Concerns exist regarding liposuction-based endoscopic methods and potential metastasis risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a non-liposuction endoscopic SLNB method via a periareolar incision.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this endoscopic approach.
• To assess cosmetic benefits in breast-conserving surgery.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight breast cancer patients with clinically negative lymph nodes underwent the procedure.
• Methylene blue dye and technetium-99m sulfur colloid were used as tracers.
• A STORZ HD endoscopic system and specialized instruments were employed with a periareolar incision.

Main Results:

• The endoscopic SLNB achieved an 88% detection rate and 80% sensitivity.
• False-negative rate was 11.1%.
• Complication rates for paresthesia and lymphedema were comparable to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic technique enables accurate sentinel lymph node assessment in breast cancer.
• Non-liposuction endoscopic SLNB via periareolar incision is a safe alternative for early breast cancer surgery.
• This approach may improve cosmetic results in breast-conserving surgery.