[Significance of endoscopic axillary dissection in invasive breast carcinoma after introduction of the "sentinel lymph node" method].

UNLABELLED

Axillary clearance provides prognostic information, determines adjuvant therapy and reduces axillary recurrences. However significant morbidity may follow axillary dissection. Patients with small tumors (pT1a-c) may benefit from new less invasive (endoscopic lymph node dissection) or more selective (sentinel lymph node biopsy) axillary procedures which recently have been introduced. In this prospective study the axilloscopic approach was evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

55 clinically node negative patients (mean age: 60 years [30-86]) had endoscopic axillary surgery by one single surgeon (1.1996-6.1998). After axillary liposuction individual lymph nodes (level I + II) were identified and removed under direct vision by means of a laparoscope (successful procedure in 95%; n = 52). Patients were followed every four months according to a institution based follow up protocol. Results of 51 patients (1 refused) were analyzed after a median follow up of 22 (7-37) months by self-evaluation questionnaire, interview and clinical examination (including: range of motion of the shoulder joint, circumferences of the upper extremities).

RESULTS

An average of 13.3 (5-25) lymph nodes was endoscopically removed. Patients (n = 16; 31%) had involved nodes with a mean of 3.1 nodes positive per individuum. Seromas necessitated needle aspiration in 8 patients (15%). There were no hematomas and one low grade infection (2%). After a median follow up period of 22 (7-37) months no axillary relapse but one trocar site implantation metastasis (1/55, 2%) was detected and resected. No lymph edema was observed. Early range of motion of the shoulder joint was excellent.

CONCLUSION

This technique allows the removal of an adequate number of lymph nodes for staging as well as for regional control. The morbidity is low and the medium-term follow-up results are promising. The atraumatic and very well tolerated endoscopic axillary dissection is being replaced by the selective sentinel lymph node procedure.