The role of sentinel node mapping with indocyanine green and endoscopic near-infrared fluorescence imaging in endometrial and cervical cancer.

INTRODUCTION

Endometrial and cervical carcinoma are common neoplasms in gynecological oncology. The prognosis and treatment depend on the stage of the cancer according to the FIGO staging system. Stage IAl may be treated by hysterectomy or even local surgical procedures. For Stage IA2, radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy must be performed. Lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor in both cancers, however lymphadenectomy is associated with long-term complications. Thanks to the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), we can more accurately discover the staging of the primary tumor, and in case of sentinel lymph node (SLN) negative patients, can resign regional lymphadenectomy. Some researchers claim that new techniques such as indocyanine green (ICG) and endoscopic near-infrared fluorescence imaging for sentinel node mapping can be used instead of the traditional techniques.

AIM

To establish the role of sentinel node mapping technique in endometrial and cervical cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study of medical records of five patients with cervical cancer (first group) Stage I and nine patients (second group) who underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and SLNB or group of lymph nodes. These procedures were performed at Gynecology Department of the District Hospital in Garwolin.

RESULTS

All lymph nodes were clear of metastases. All patients after histopathological diagnosis were finally referred to the Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology due to consultation or for further treatment.

CONCLUSION

Based on the present first results and literature review, intracervical ICG injection with fluorescence imaging seems to be the best SLN mapping technique, because of its simplicity, safety, and overall lower cost. More data is required to determine if the nodes identified with this technique are able to predict metastatic disease.