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Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy by Lymphatic Flare Technique: a Feasibility Study-"The FLAIR Is in the FLARE"
Shafeek Shamsudeen1, Syam Vikram1, Deepak Damodaran1
1Department of Surgical Oncology, MVR Cancer Centre & Research Institute, CP 13/516 B, C, Vellalasseri NIT (Via), Poolacode, Kozhikode, Kerala 673601 India.
Background:
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a standard procedure in evaluating the status of node negative axilla. Numerous techniques have been described in literature. We hereby describe a new technique of intradermal injection of blue dye called the lymphatic flare technique.
Methods:
The study was conducted in two phases over a year from August 2020 to May 2021with an internal audit to validate and standardize the technique in January 2021.
Results:
Between August 2020 and December 2020, 32 patients were evaluated for validation of this technique by two senior surgeons, which yielded a SLN identification rate of 93.75% (30 out of 32). After validating, standardizing, and educating the entire surgical team of the technique, another consecutive 27 patients were evaluated. The SLN identification rate increased to 100% (27 out of 27). Overall, SLN positivity for cancer was 16.6% (10 out of 60).
Conclusion:
SLN identification by the lymphatic flare technique is feasible, accurate, and reproducible.
