A mini-invasive technique for axillary lymphadenectomy in early breast cancer: a study of 15 patients
Cangiotti, L.; Poiatti, R.; Taglietti, L.; Re, P.; Carrara, B.
Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research Cr 18(3): 295-298
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-9078 PMID: 10606172 Document Number: 502823
Axillary lymphadenectomy is the major cause of morbidity reported in breast surgery, but remains the gold standard in breast cancer staging procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate if endoscopic lymphadenectomy, preceded by fat suction, could reduce morbidity and hospitalization, giving better aesthetic results, while conserving the same oncologic radicality as the traditional open technique. We studied 15 cases of breast cancer with tumour diameter < or = 25 mm, N0. The subjects underwent endoscopic lymphadenectomy. We removed an average of 15.5 node/patient, the volume of lymphorrea was 580 ml, the drainage was kept up for 5 days, the mean length of hospitalization was 6 days. One seroma (4.6%) was found. No shoulder restriction has been reported and aesthetic results were excellent. The follow-up will demonstrate if this technique can reduce the incidence of lymphoedema.