Sentinel lymph node biopsy in gynecological malignancies: A modern approach to surgical staging - A narrative review

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as a valuable alternative to traditional lymphadenectomy in the surgical management of gynecological cancers. This narrative review delves into the advantages, practical applications, and future research directions of SLNB in this context. Compared to the more extensive lymphadenectomy, SLNB offers a minimally invasive approach to lymph node staging, leading to reduced surgical morbidity, faster recovery times, and improved quality of life for the patients involved. This narrative review highlights the high detection rates and accuracy of SLNB in predicting lymph node metastasis, particularly in early-stage endometrial, cervical and vulvar cancers. By accurately assessing lymph node status, SLNB provides crucial information for treatment planning, potentially guiding decisions regarding adjuvant therapies and assessing the need for further lymph node dissection. From clinical practice guidelines, prospective studies, and relevant research articles, this review provides a thorough understanding the evolving role of SLNB in managing gynecological malignancies. The findings presented underscore the potential of SLNB to improve patient outcomes by providing accurate staging while minimizing surgical complications.