Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the results of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in women with breast cancer treated in hospitals without a nuclear medicine unit. Subjects and methodsEighty-eight patients with early-stage breast cancer treated in two district hospitals between February 2007 and July 2010 were included. The day before surgery a lymphoscintigraphy was performed in the specialized hospital. Intraoperative localization of the SLN was accomplished by the combined use of a hand-held gamma probe and a manual gamma-camera. ResultsSurgical localization of the SLN was successful in 97.7% of the patients. The mean number of lymph nodes excised by each procedure and each surgical team was 2.1±1.4 and 2.5±1.2. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 27.2% of the patients. There was one false-negative result and one false-positive result. ConclusionThe implementation of SLN biopsy in district hospitals provides similar results to those obtained in the supervising hospital.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
