Para-aortic Sentinel Lymph Node Research Articles

Robotic para-aortic sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer.

The concept of pelvic sentinel lymph node mapping has been well-investigated in endometrial and cervical cancer. A variety of tracers have been used including blue dye, technetium-99-m (Tc-99m), and fluorescent tracer indocyanine green. Pelvic sentinel lymph node mapping has shown its safety, efficacy, and diagnostic accuracy, with high sensitivity and negative predictive value of more than 90%, in retrospective cohort studies as well as in prospective trials for robotic surgery. The concept of pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy has been incorporated in several international guidelines in early-stage endometrial cancer and a subgroup of early-stage cervical cancer, although survival data are still needed to confirm its standard use. The application of para-aortic sentinel lymph node mapping is still in a development phase, but its detection rate and diagnostic accuracy seem to be promising in initial studies. Here, an overview is given of the recent developments in the different methodologies used for identifying para-aortic sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer.

An Extraordinary Location of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in a Patient with Endometrial Cancer

To show dissection of sentinel lymph nodes. A step-by-step demonstration of the technique with narration. Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Sentinel lymph node biopsy with indocyanine green (ICG) has become more widely used and has been featured in recently published guidelines for EC [1]. Minimally invasive approaches with the sentinel lymph node concept (conventional laparoscopy, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal surgeries or robotic) to EC staging have resulted in lower rates of peri- and postoperative complications than conventional staging procedures [2]. No video article has been published in the literature about high pelvic, para-aortic sentinel lymph node dissection. An informed consent form was obtained from the patient. An institutional review board approval was not required. A 45-year-old female with gravidity 0, parity 0, and body mass index of 23.4 kg/m2 presented with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding (spotting). Increased endometrial thickness was detected on transvaginal ultrasound (10 mm) in the postmenstrual period. Endometrioid-type endometrial adenocancer with focal squamous differentiation International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade I was detected on endometrial biopsy. The patient had hepatitis B virus positivity and no other chronic disease. A laparotomic myomectomy had been performed in 2016. Laparoscopic high pelvic, low para-aortic sentinel lymph node dissection with ICG and hysterectomy (without uterine manipulator)+bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed (Supplemental Video 1). The operation time for the procedure was 110 minutes and the estimated blood loss was <20 mL. No major complications occurred during or after the surgery. The patient stayed in the hospital for 1 day. The final pathology result showed an International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade I, endometrioid-type endometrial adenocancer with focal squamous differentiation, as a 1.5×1 cm tumorous mass invading less than one-half of the myometrium. Neither lymphovascular invasion nor sentinel lymph node metastasis was detected. A multicenter, prospective study showed that sentinel lymph node dissection with ICG in clinical stage 1 EC is feasible and has a high degree of diagnostic accuracy in detecting EC metastases. In that study, isolated para-aortic sentinel lymph node was detected in 3 of 340 patients (<1%) [2]. Another study reported the detection rate of isolated para-aortic sentinel lymph node to be 1.1% in patients with intermediate- and high-risk EC [3]. There are in some cases 2 distinct channels emanating from one side, and it is important to follow each and to acknowledge there may be more than one sentinel, one of which is lower in a typical location and one higher as in this case. This video article is the first video demonstration of bilateral isolated high pelvic, para-aortic sentinel lymph node dissection in EC.

Usefulness and potential pitfalls of pre-operative PET-CT in patients with endometrial cancer undergoing one- and two-step sentinel lymph node mapping: Do negative findings on PET-CT negativity really indicate node negativity?

ObjectiveWe investigated the utility of Positron emission tomography-Computed tomography (PET-CT) in the setting of two different sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping techniques; the conventional cervical injection method (one-step) and the two-step method, which involves fundal injection followed by cervical injection. MethodsPatients with endometrial cancer undergoing FDG PET-CT followed by laparoscopic or robotic surgical staging with SLN mapping at the Yonsei Cancer Center between July 2014 and April 2021 were stratified into the PET-positive group (with suspected or likely lymph nodes metastasis) and PET-negative group. A chart review was performed for the number of harvested SLNs, patterns of SLN metastases, and recurrence. ResultsAmong 466 patients undergoing one-step (n = 276) and two-step (n = 190) SLN mapping, LN metastasis was identified in 21 of 434 PET-negative and 18 of 32 PET-positive patients. The sensitivity and specificity of PET-CT for diagnosing lymph node metastasis were 46.2% and 96.7%, respectively. Among PET-positive patients with LN metastasis, anatomical distribution was concordant in 14/18 patients (77.8%). Among PET-negative patients, four (2.3%) had metastatic para-aortic SLNs, including three (1.7%) with isolated para-aortic metastases; metastatic para-aortic SLNs were exclusively found in the two-step group. Among PET-positive patients, para-aortic SLN metastasis was identified in 35.7% of two-step and 16.7% of one-step group. Among the 21 PET false-negative patients, recurrence was seen in four patients (19%) after a median follow-up of 34 months (range: 7–70 months). ConclusionsPET-CT served as a useful guide to clinicians with high anatomical concordance rate in patients with LN metastasis. However, despite high specificity, sensitivity was limited. SLN metastasis pattern, especially at the para-aortic level, indicates that the two-step SLN technique might be useful in PET-negative and PET-positive patients.

Robotic Staging of Cervical Cancer With Simultaneous Detection of Primary Pelvic and Secondary Para-Aortic Sentinel Lymph Nodes: Reproducibility in a First Case Series.

ObjectiveDiscrepancies exist among international guidelines on the surgical staging of para-aortic lymph nodes in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), varying from considering a para-aortic lymph node dissection, at least up to the inferior mesenteric artery, to a complete para-aortic lymph node dissection. In this study, we aim to assess the reproducibility of our recently reported robotic technique using indocyanine green for identifying besides primary pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), secondary para-aortic SLNs in a first case-cohort of cervical cancer patients.MethodsA retrospective case series of LACC patients with/without suspicious pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) on imaging (including two patients with an additional suspicious para-aortic LN) is reported. All patients underwent a robotic pelvic SLN and para-aortic sentinel/nonsentinel LN dissection using the da Vinci Xi platform. Indocyanine green was used as a fluorescent tracer, at a concentration of 1.9 mg/mL, and injected as 0.5 mL in each quadrant of the cervix.ResultsIn a total of 10 cases, primary pelvic SLNs (90% bilateral) with subsequent secondary para-aortic SLNs were identified in all cases. Lower para-aortic SLNs were present in all cases, and upper para-aortic SLNs were found in 9 out of 10 cases. The mean age of the cervical cancer patients was 49.8 years (SD ± 6.89), and the mean body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was 23.96 (SD ± 4.60). The median total operative time was 105.5 min (range: 89–141 min). The mean numbers of primary pelvic SLNs and secondary lower and upper para-aortic SLNs were 3.10 (SD ± 1.10), 2.90 (SD ± 0.74), and 2.30 (SD ± 1.57), respectively. The median number of total para-aortic LNs (PALNs) dissected per patient was 11.5. Six patients had positive primary pelvic SLNs, and two had secondary positive para-aortic SLNs. The nonsentinel para-aortic LNs were negative in all cases. There were no intra- or postoperative complications.ConclusionOur preliminary experience demonstrates the reproducibility of identifying, besides primary pelvic SLNs, secondary lower and upper para-aortic SLNs during robotic staging in LACC. A surgical approach limiting a complete para-aortic LN dissection could reduce the potential risks and morbidity associated with this procedure. To determine the sensitivity and negative predictive value of this new surgical approach, and whether the lower para-aortic SLNs under the inferior mesenteric artery are representative of the whole para-aortic region, large prospective observational studies are needed in LACC and/or those with suspicious pelvic LNs but apparent normal para-aortic LNs on imaging.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer: Dual Injection, Dual Tracer-A Multidisciplinary Exhaustive Approach to Nodal Staging.

Simple SummarySince clinical guidelines accepted the utilization of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in apparent uterine-confined endometrial cancer (EC), many centers have already used it as a standard staging surgery. The most widely accepted tracer is ICG alone, but several studies comment on the importance of surgeon experience in order not to lose sensitivity in the first 30-40 cases. This is a prospective, observational single-center trial designed to improve SLN detection rate specially during learning curve. The application of dual tracer (indocyanine green (ICG) and Technetium99 (Tc99) injected separately) helps us to reach a very good overall and bilateral SLN pelvic detection rate in early-stage endometrial cancer patients. Dual injection (cervical and fundal) improves para-aortic SLN detection rate.Introduction: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) has recently been introduced as a standard staging technique in endometrial cancer (EC). There are some issues regarding team experience and para-aortic detection. Objective: to report the accuracy of SLN detection in EC with a dual tracer (ICG and Tc99) and dual injection site (cervix and fundus) during the learning curve. Methods: A prospective, observational single-center trial including 48 patients diagnosed with early-stage EC. Dual intracervical tracer (Tc99 and ICG) was injected at different times. High-risk patients had a second fundus injection with both tracers. Results: the detection rates were as follows: 100% (48/48) overall for SLNs; 98% (47/48) overall for pelvic SLNs; 89.5% (43/48) for bilateral SLNs; and 2% (1/48) for isolated para-aortic SLNs. In high-risk patients, the para-aortic overall DR was 66.7% (22/33); 60.7% (17/28) with ICG and 51.5% (17/33) with Tc99 (p = 0.048)). Overall rate of lymph node involvement was 14.6% (7/48). Macroscopic pelvic metastasis was found in four patients (8.3%) and microscopic in one case (2%). No metastasis was found in any para-aortic SLNs. Half of the patients with positive pelvic SLNs had positive para-aortic nodes. In high-risk patients, when para-aortic SLNs mapped failed, 36.4% (4/11) had positive nodes in para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of SLN pelvic detection was 100%. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary exhaustive approach gives a suitable accuracy of SLN during learning curve. Dual injection (cervical and fundal) with dual tracer (ICG and Tc99) offers good overall detection rates and increases para-aortic SLN detection.

The efficiency of a combined injection technique for sentinel lymph node mapping in intermediate-high-risk endometrial cancer.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping was considered for treating endometrial cancer (EC) which was apparent confined to the uterus. Nevertheless, intermediate-high-risk EC patients have super high risk to undergo isolated para-aortic lymph node metastases comparing with low-risk patients. Therefore, this investigation aimed to compare the efficacy of two SLN methods in detecting para-aortic lymph node metastases. According to SLN mapping injection methods, intermediate-high-risk EC patients who received both SLN mapping and systematic lymphadenectomy were divided into the combined group (fundal and cervical injections) and the cervical group (cervical injection only). The para-aortic SLN detection rate in the combined group (40.4%) was higher than that in the cervical group (4.4%) with p < 0.001. While the differences concerning the sensitivity, false-negative rate, and negative predictive value between the two groups were not significant. The survival outcomes of patients were comparable between the two groups. Our data showcased that the combined (fundal and cervical) injection had a higher detection rate of para-aortic SLNs than cervical injection only. The efficiency of SLN mapping and the survival outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Further investigations are warranted to assess the value of combined injection regarding SLN technique.

Feasibility of Sentinel Lymph Node Sampling in Early-Stage Carcinoma Endometrium: Single-Institution Experience.

Accurate surgical staging is an essential component in the management of carcinoma endometrium to assess the stage of disease and to tailor adjuvant treatment. Sentinel node technique was introduced as an alternative for extensive lymphadenectomy in early stages to avoid complications associated with lymphadenectomy. To assess the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of SLN mapping in patients with early-stage carcinoma endometrium. Prospective validation study involving 30 patients diagnosed to have early-stage carcinoma endometrium. Sentinel nodes were detected by combined methods of radio colloid dye and isosulphan blue dye injection. Sentinel lymph node was detected in 19 patients (63.4%). 11 patients had no sentinel nodes. Total number of sentinel nodes isolated was 68 with a mean of 2.26 per patient (range 0-4). Ten (33.33%) patients had single sentinel node location, while 9 (30%) had more than 1 sentinel lymph nodes. Twelve patients had bilateral sentinel nodes, and the most frequent location of sentinel node was obturator, 19 (63.3%) especially on right hemi-pelvis. One patient had a hot para-aortic node, while none had blue para-aortic sentinel node. Average number of lymph nodes obtained by lymphadenectomy was 13 per patient (range 7-22). All patients with sentinel node had negative frozen report as well as in histopathology. Two patients in whom no sentinel nodes were detected by either techniques had metastatic nodes in histopathology report. Detection rate was maximum with radiocolloid dye, and it is better to utilize the technique for less graded tumours and endometrioid variants.

Maximizing sentinel node detection in endometrial cancer with dual cervical and transcervical fundal indocyanine green injection: 5-year single-center prospective study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe our latest results using dual cervical and fundal indocyanine green injection for detection of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in endometrial cancer. MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted between 26 June 2014 and 31 December 2019 with 278 patients that underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer at our institution. In all cases, we performed SLN biopsy with dual cervical and fundal indocyanine green injection. All SLNs were processed with an ultrastaging technique. A total of 128 patients also underwent total pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. ResultsThe detection rates were as follows: 93.5 % (260/278) overall for SLNs; 90.7 % (252/278) overall for pelvic SLNs; 68.0 % (189/278) for bilateral SLNs; 66.9 % (186/278) for paraaortic SLNs, and 2.9 % (8/278) for isolated paraaortic SLNs. We found macroscopic lymph node metastasis in 26 patients (10.0 %) and microdisease in lymph nodes in another 48 patients, raising the overall rate of lymph node involvement to 16.2 %. There was one false negative (negative SLN biopsy but positive lymphadenectomy). Applying the SLN algorithm, the sensitivity of detection was 97.9 % (95 % CI 89.1–99.6), specificity 100 % (95 % CI 98.2–100), negative predictive value 99.5 % (95 % CI 97.4–99.9), and positive predictive value 100 % (95 % CI 92.4–100). ConclusionsDual sentinel node injection is a feasible technique that achieves adequate detection rates. Additionally, this technique allows a high rate of aortic detection, identifying a non-negligible percentage of isolated aortic metastases. Aortic metastases in endometrial cancer are possible and we should not give up actively looking for them.

Ultrastaging protocol in sentinel lymph node for apparent early stage ovarian cancer

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study is to determine the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) ultrastaging in apparent early-stage ovarian cancer. MethodsWe previously demonstrated the feasibility of SLN in early-stage ovarian cancer in a pilot study and in a clinical trial (NCT03452982). The SLN of the 30 patients involved in both were processed following an ultrastaging protocol. The cost of ultrastaging processing was also reported. ResultsA SLN was detected in up to 91.3% and 90% in the pelvic and para-aortic region, respectively. In all cases, a SLN was detected at least in one field, pelvic or para-aortic. The mean time from injection to SLN resection was 53.3 ± 20.3 min. Two of 30 (6.6%) patients had a contralateral SLN in the para-aortic field, but no patients had contralateral SLN within the pelvic field after injection. The mean number of harvested SLN was 2.1 ± 1.4 (range: 0–5) and 2.7 ± 1.5 (range: 0–7) in the pelvic and para-aortic region, respectively.Two patients were upgraded to stage IIIA1 because of lymph node metastasis. In the first case, based on single sections and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) examination, a pelvic SLN micrometastasis (1 mm) was found on the first H&E section. By using the ultrastaging protocol, the size of the metastasis was increased to 2.1 mm (macrometastasis). In the same patient, the ultrastaging study of the inframesenteric para-cava SLNs found isolated tumour cells in the subcapsular and interfollicular lymph nodes sinus in one of the two SLN harvested (in one of the sections at the fourth and fifth ultrastage levels). The other upstaged case was a para-aortic macrometastasis in a patient in whom the SLN was not identified in the para-aortic field because of the absence of migration from the infundibulo-pelvic stump injection.The cost of ultrastaging in each patient depended on the total number of SLN retrieved, averaging 96.8 € (range: 0–230.5) and 124.5 € (range: 0–322.7€) for pelvic and para-aortic SLN, respectively. ConclusionsA uniform protocol for ultrastaging is essential for lower-volume metastasis detection and to provide reproducible information between upcoming studies, as evidence about SLN in ovarian cancer is growing.

Paraaortic sentinel lymph node detection in intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer by transvaginal ultrasound-guided myometrial injection of radiotracer (TUMIR).

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping with transvaginal ultrasound-guided myometrial injection of radiotracer (TUMIR) to detect lymph node (LN) metastases, in patients with intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer (EC), focusing on its performance to detect paraaortic involvement.MethodsProspective study including women with preoperative intermediate or high-risk EC, according to ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO consensus, who underwent SLN mapping using the TUMIR approach. SLNs were preoperatively localized by planar and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography images, and intraoperatively by gamma-probe. Immediately after SLN excision, all women underwent systematic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy by laparoscopy.ResultsThe study included 102 patients. The intraoperative SLN detection rate was 79.4% (81/102). Pelvic and paraaortic drainage was observed in 92.6% (75/81) and 45.7% (37/81) women, respectively, being exclusively paraaortic in 7.4% (6/81). After systematic lymphadenectomy, LN metastases were identified in 19.6% (20/102) patients, with 45.0% (9/20) showing paraaortic involvement, which was exclusive in 15.0% (3/20). The overall sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of SLNs by the TUMIR approach to detect lymphatic involvement were 87.5% and 97.0%, respectively; and 83.3% and 96.9%, for paraaortic metastases. After applying the MSKCC SLN mapping algorithm, the sensitivity and NPV were 93.8% and 98.5%, respectively.ConclusionThe TUMIR method provides valuable information of endometrial drainage in patients at higher risk of paraaortic LN involvement. The TUMIR approach showed a detection rate of paraaortic SLNs greater than 45% and a high sensitivity and NPV for paraaortic metastases in women with intermediate and high-risk EC.

Surgical Technique for Sentinel Lymph Node Sampling in Presumed Early-stage Ovarian Cancer

Surgical staging for apparent early-stage ovarian cancer includes systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node evaluation to detect occult stage III disease [1]. Although, lymphadenectomy procedure is associated with increased duration of surgery and a 13% risk of lymphocyst formation [2]. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is still investigational, and no standardized approach has been studied. Recent mounting evidence has approved the applicability of SLN technique in early-stage ovarian cancer [3,4]. The objective of this video is to demonstrate a surgical technique for robotic performance of SLN biopsy in presumed early-stage ovarian cancer. Stepwise demonstration of the robotic technique for SLN sampling in presumed early-stage ovarian cancer. This video report is part of an institutional, investigational review board-approved study. Academic tertiary referral center. This video presents our team's robotic technique for SLN sampling in a 37-year-old woman who presented to our center with a 10-cm right complex adnexal mass, suspicious for malignancy. A 27-gauge spinal needle was inserted through the abdominal wall under direct visualization. We injected 0.5 mL of dilute indocyanine green solution (Novadaq Technologies, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) (1.25 mg/mL) subperitoneally into the utero-ovarian ligament. The SLN was checked with the fluorescence-guided camera of the Xi DaVinci robotic system (Sunnyvale, CA). Eight to 10 minutes after the injection, a right para-aortic SLN was identified, and dissection was performed. After dissection, the node was extracted and sent to pathology for evaluation by ultra-staging. The final pathology revealed a stage IA low-grade serous ovarian cancer. SLN sampling appears to be feasible in presumed early-stage ovarian cancer and may allow the avoidance of systematic lymph node dissection in this set of patients.

Cervical versus endometrial injection for sentinel lymph node detection in endometrial cancer: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between pelvic/para-aortic sentinel lymph node status and two different injection sites of 99m-technetium (99mTc)-labeled phytate in patients with endometrial cancer.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial involving...

Comparison of outcomes between the one-step and two-step sentinel lymph node mapping techniques in endometrial cancer

IntroductionFluorescence image-guided sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using a two-step mapping technique incorporates sequential injection of indocyanine green into the bilateral uterine cornus, followed by cervical injection. Outcomes were compared...

Concordance Between Intracervical and Fundal Injections for Sentinel Node Mapping in Patients With Endometrial Cancer?: A Study Using Intracervical Radiotracer and Fundal Blue Dye Injections.

A major controversy in sentinel node (SN) biopsy of endometrial cancer is the injection site of mapping material. We compared lymphatic drainage pathways of the uterine cervix and uterine body in the same patients by head-to-head comparison of intracervical radiotracer and fundal blue dye injections. All patients with pathologically proven endometrial cancer were included. Each patient received 2 intracervical injections of Tc-phytate. At the time of laparotomy, the uterus was exposed, and each patient was injected with 2 aliquots of patent blue V (2 mL each) in the subserosal fundal midline locations. The anatomical locations of all hot, blue, or hot/blue SNs were recorded. Overall, 45 patients entered the study. At least 1 SN could be identified in 75 of 90 hemipelves (83.3% overall detection rate, 82.2% for radiotracer [intracervical] alone, and 81.1% for blue dye [fundal] alone). In 71 hemipelves, SNs were identified with both blue dye (fundal) and radiotracer (intracervical) injections. In 69 of these 71 hemipelves, at least 1 blue/hot SN could be identified (97.18% concordance rate). In 10 patients, para-aortic SNs were identified. All of these nodes were identified by fundal blue dye injection, and only 2 were hot. Our study shows that lymphatic drainage to the pelvic area from the uterine corpus matches the lymphatic pathways from the cervix, and both intracervical and fundal injections of SN mapping materials go to the same pelvic SNs.

Prospective study of sentinel lymph node mapping for endometrial cancer.

To evaluate sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for endometrial cancer, using radioisotope and indocyanine green (ICG) injections. A prospective study was conducted between April 1, 2014, and December 27, 2017, among women with endometrial cancer, excluding those with suspected peritoneal dissemination and lymph node metastasis, at a University hospital in Kagoshima, Japan. Patients with low-risk endometrial cancer underwent pelvic SLN mapping using uterine cervix radioisotope injections; intermediate/high-risk patients underwent pelvic SLN with/without intraoperative para-aortic SLN mapping with ICG subserosal injections. Primary endpoints were estimated detection rates, sensitivity, and negative predict values (NPV) of SLN mapping. Of 113 patients evaluated, comprehensive pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed after SLN detection in all patients; additional para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 38 (34%) patients. The detection rates for pelvic SLN (≥1), bilateral pelvic SLN, and para-aortic SLN (≥1) were 96%, 80%, and 55%, respectively. Pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were found in (10%) (12/113) and 18% (6/33) patients, respectively. Isolated para-aortic lymph node metastasis was not observed. In pelvic SLN analysis, sensitivity was 91% and NPV was 99%. In para-aortic SLN analysis, sensitivity and NPV were 100%. SLN biopsy may be useful to avoid comprehensive pelvic lymphadenectomy in low-risk patients. In high-risk patients, SLN mapping revealed high detection rates, sensitivity, and NPV, including those for para-aortic SLN.

Two-step sentinel lymph node mapping strategy in endometrial cancer staging using fluorescent imaging: A novel sentinel lymph node tracer injection procedure

ObjectiveThe current sentinel lymph node (SLN) tracer injection procedure for endometrial cancer commonly uses cervical injection, which can detect SLNs of the uterine cervix but not the uterine body. This study describes an SLN tracer injection procedure, titled two-step SLN mapping, which can identify SLNs of the uterine body and cervix using fluorescent imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) and results of SLN biopsy. MethodsIn 50 consecutive patients with endometrial cancer, two-step SLN mapping was performed during laparoscopic surgical staging with the PINPOINT® real-time fluorescence imaging system. The first step was to identify SLNs of the uterine body. In total, 4–6 mL of ICG was injected into the bilateral uterine cornual areas, and lymphatic channels were traced, followed by identification and removal of paraaortic SLNs. The second step was to identify SLNs of the uterine cervix by injecting 4 mL of ICG into the cervix. After harvesting the mapped pelvic SLNs, complete pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy was performed to validate the two-step SLN mapping strategy. ResultsOur two-step SLN mapping strategy produced excellent SLN detection rates: 100% (50/50) overall for SLNs; 98.0% (49/50) for pelvic SLNs; 94.0% (47/50) for bilateral SLNs; and 86.0% (43/50) for paraaortic SLNs. We detected microscopic metastasis in harvested SLNs of 4 patients (8.0%). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of SLN detection were all 100%. There was no false negative case. ConclusionThe two-step SLN mapping strategy to identify lymph nodes from the uterine fundus and cervix was feasible. This strategy could be more accurate in identifying paraaortic lymph node metastasis than the cervical injection method.

Maximizing Sentinel Lymph Node Detection: Aortic Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Endometrial Cancer

Study ObjectiveTo determine the importance of a dual (cervical and fundal) indocyanine green (ICG) injection and thorough dissection for the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). DesignDescription and step-by-step demonstration of the surgical procedure using video (Canadian Task Force classification III). SettingHospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain. PatientsA 60-year-old woman with a diagnosis of IAG1 endometrial adenocarcinoma (EC). InterventionsThe patient received a cervical and transcervical fundal ICG injection for para-aortic and pelvic SLN detection in the setting of a research protocol, followed by a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with a frozen section of the uterus as a standard approach [1]. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for the research protocol of this study. Measurements and Main ResultsDual ICG injection [2] adds the benefit of a cervical injection (that best evaluates the pelvic region [3]) to the fundal injection, with better spread to the lumboaortic pathway [4] so as not to lose the aortic drainage and aortic SLN, whose relevance is still discussed due to its low incidence of metastasis [5]. This search does not add to the associated morbidity but is associated with increased operative time. For pelvic SLN dissection, patience and good training are key; the surgeon must always be on the lookout for uncommon pathways if no SLN is detected in the classical areas. The final histological classification was upgraded to a grade IIIC2 (ie, micrometastasis in the aortic and pelvic-right pararectal space) EC, 3 cm G1 with no lymphovascular invasion. ConclusionDual ICG injection allows comprehensive mapping not only of pelvic SLNs, but also of para-aortic SLNs, in EC, maximizing the identification of all possible affected areas. Nonetheless, the relevance of its added benefit requires further evaluation.

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy in Para-Aortic Staging of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

Study ObjectiveTo review/learn a surgical technique not very well-known by gynecologic oncologists. DesignLevel of evidence III. SettingA review of a surgical technique with emphasis on the para-aortic sentinel lymph nodes using indocyanine green. InterventionThe film features the following steps to perform the procedure:1. Creating a retroperitoneal window.2. What to do if the peritoneum is torn.3. Finding the psoas muscle, right ureter, and common iliac artery. Dissecting the right common iliac artery caudally to the bifurcation of the external iliac artery and internal iliac artery and cranially to the inferior mesenteric artery, the ovarian arteries, and the left renal vein.4. A view of all of the nodes with fluorescence when indocyanine green is injected into the cervix. At present, the sentinel lymph nodes are not the standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer. If the nodes are metastatic at this stage, all the para-aortic area will undergo radiation therapy.5. Dissecting the inferior vena cava from the intersection with the right uterer to the right and left renal veins.6. Performing the lateroaortic, preaortic, and precaval lymphadenectomy.7. A final view with all of the elements (i.e., bifurcation of the common iliac artery, the left renal vein, and both ureters).8. In the final part of the video, we open the peritoneal window to decrease the incidence of lymphoceles. ConclusionThe real novelty of this video is how the para-aortic area nodes are seen when green indocyanine is injected into the cervix. This video shows a simplified technique of retroperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy using an advanced bipolar sealant. Some tips and tricks to facilitate the procedure are emphasized, especially in cases of accidental peritoneal tears. To decrease the incidence of lymphoceles before completing the surgery, the peritoneal window should be opened. This surgical technique is especially useful in endometrial cancer for staging the para-aortic area in obese patients and in advanced cervical cancer to determine the field of radiotherapy.

Sentinel Node Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer With Dual Cervical and Fundal Indocyanine Green Injection.

The aim of this study was describe a novel sentinel lymph node (SLN) tracer injection procedure featuring dual cervical and fundal indocyanine green (ICG) injection for endometrial cancer and results of SLN biopsy. Between June 26, 2014 and October 31, 2016, 111 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer at our institution. In all cases, we performed SLN biopsy with dual cervical and fundal ICG injection. All SLNs were processed with an ultrastaging technique. A total of 69 patients also underwent total pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The detection rates were as follows: 92.79% (103/111) overall for SLNs; 89.19% (99/111) overall for pelvic SLNs; 61.26% (68/111) for bilateral SLNs; 59.46% (66/111) for paraaortic SLNs, and 4% (4/111) for isolated paraaortic SLNs. We found macroscopic lymph node metastasis in 11 patients (9.9%) and microdisease in lymph nodes in another 10 patients, raising the overall rate of lymph node involvement to 18.92%. There was 1 false-negative (negative SLN biopsy but positive aortic lymphadenectomy) and another positive case in 1 undetected SLN. The sensitivity of detection was 94.44%, specificity 100%, negative predictive value 97.83%, and negative likelihood ratio 0.06 for intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer groups. The SLN biopsy with both cervical and fundal ICG injection offers good overall detection rates and improved mapping of the aortic area. The SLN ultrastaging increases the number of nodes considered positive.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy in clinically, early stage endometrial cancer remains controversial but sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has emerged as an alternative staging strategy, until the advent of molecular prognostic markers. We sought to perform a systematic review of the literature to determine pooled estimates for SLN detection rate and diagnostic accuracy, while exploring impact of the SLN on adjuvant therapy and oncologic outcomes. We performed a systematic search utilizing Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science electronic databases for all studies published in the English language until October 31, 2017. Studies were included for review and potential aggregate analyses if they contained at least 30 endometrial cancer patients with undergoing SLN mapping and reported on detection rates (overall, bilateral or para-aortic) or diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and negative predictive value [NPV]). Pooled estimates were calculated via meta-analyses utilizing a random-effects model. Studies reporting on the impact of SLN on adjuvant therapy, as well as studies comparing SLN mapping to completion lymphadenectomy were qualitatively reviewed and analyzed as well. We identified 48 eligible studies, which included 5348 patients for review and inclusion in the meta-analysis for SLN detection or diagnostic accuracy. The pooled SLN detection rates were were 87% (95% CI: 84-89%, 44 studies) for overall detection, 61% (95% CI: 56-66%, 36 studies) for bilateral detection, and 6% (95% CI: 3-9%, 31 studies) for para-aortic detection. Indocyanine green use improved overall (94%, 95% CI: 92-96%, 19 studies) SLN detection rates compared to blue tracer (86%, 95% CI: 83-89%, 31 studies) or technetium-99 (86%, 95% CI: 83-89%, 25 studies). This trend was similarly seen in terms of bilateral detection rates (74% vs. 59% vs. 57%, respectively). There was no difference in para-aortic SLN detection rate between each tracer. The pooled estimates for diagnostic accuracy for 34 studies were 94% (95% CI: 91-96%) for sensitivity and 100% (95% CI: 99 - 100%) for NPV. Diagnostic accuracy of SLN mapping was not negatively affected in patients with high-grade endometrial histology. Patients with SLN mapping are more likely to receive adjuvant therapy and do not have inferior survival or recurrence outcomes compared to those undergoing completion lymphadenectomy. SLN mapping is a feasible and accurate alternative to stage patients with endometrial cancer. Utilizing indocyanine green results in the highest SLN detection rates. Future studies should prospectively examine the impact of SLN mapping on progression-free and overall survival.