Intraoperative Injection of Technetium-99m Sulfur Colloid for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Experience. (13th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berrocal, Julian; Saperstein, Lawrence; Grube, Baiba; Horowitz, Nina R.; Chagpar, Anees B.; Killelea, Brigid K.; Lannin, Donald R.
• Other Names: Dooley William Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Surgery research and practice. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-04-13
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/5924802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-7759

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Most institutions require a patient undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy to go through nuclear medicine prior to surgery to be injected with radioisotope. This study describes the long-term results using intraoperative injection of radioisotope. Methods . Since late 2002, all patients undergoing a sentinel lymph node biopsy at the Yale-New Haven Breast Center underwent intraoperative injection of technetium-99m sulfur colloid. Endpoints included number of sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes obtained and number of positive sentinel and nonsentinel lymph nodes. Results . At least one sentinel lymph node was obtained in 2, 333 out of 2, 338 cases of sentinel node biopsy for an identification rate of 99.8%. The median number of sentinel nodes found was 2 and the mean was 2.33 (range: 1–15). There were 512 cases (21.9%) in which a sentinel node was positive for metastatic carcinoma. Of the patients with a positive sentinel lymph node who underwent axillary dissection, there were 242 cases (54.2%) with no additional positive nonsentinel lymph nodes. Advantages of intraoperative injection included increased comfort for the patient and simplification of scheduling. There were no radiation related complications. Conclusion . Intraoperative injection of technetium-99m sulfur colloid is convenient, effective, safe, and comfortable for the patient.