Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Endometrial Cancer

Summary

In endometrial cancer (EC) pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy is performed only in high risk groups (with approximately 20% of patients having lymph node metastases (LNM)) whereas no lymphadenectomy is recommended in low risk groups despite 5% LNM. Moreover, preoperative risk group allocation is known to be erroneous in up to 15% of patients. A technique identifying sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in endometrial cancer have the potential to spare extensive surgery in 80% of high risk patients, identify low risk patients with nodal metastases, diminish side effects caused by full lymphadenectomy and render some expensive preoperative risk group allocation measures unnecessary. A clinically useful SLN technique requires a high technical success rate, a clear definition of SLN, an algorithm taking into account that metastatic nodes not always accumulate tracer and a reproducible surgical algorithm. A definition of SLN requires knowledge on lymphatic anatomy. Unfortunately all tracers, dyes/radiotracers often result in an abundance of colored/ signaling nodes. Therefore, a definition of a SLN requires identification of efferent/afferent lymph vessels. Several publications describe sentinel node techniques in EC with a variety of tracers (various dyes, radiotracer, alone or in combination). Sentinel nodes are usually described as "radioactive nodes" or "colored nodes" only with no further discrimination. No study relate to an anatomical description of lymphatic pathways. The aims of this study is to systematically display the major anatomical pathways with the use of ICG and to evaluate a standardized and reproducible SLN surgical algorithm based on lymphatic anatomy and identification of efferent lymph vessels.

Key Facts

Interventions

Conditions

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Planned robotic operation due to endometrial carcinoma
* Patient suitable for laparoscopic surgery
* Signed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* No consent
* Inability to understand study information
* surgical or anesthesiological contraindication for laparoscopic surgery
* previous lymphatic problems
* iodine allergy iodine
* disseminated disease

Outcome Measures

Locations

Linked Papers