Feasibility of endoscopic sentinel node biopsy in the porcine neck.

Publication/Presentation Date

5-1-2007

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of endoscopic sentinel node biopsy (SNB) using a tracer dye in a pig model.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective, nonrandomized experimental study in Yorkshire pigs. The posterolateral tongues of three animals were injected with a one-to-one solution of carbon dye to methylene blue dye. Endoscopic SNB was performed and stained lymph nodes identified and retrieved, followed by an open dissection to recover any remaining nodes. Specimens were analyzed by a pathologist for staining, size, and structural integrity.

RESULTS: Six unilateral endoscopic SNBs were performed without complications. During endoscopic dissection, gross blue-staining of a sentinel node was noted in four of six dissections (66%). One of six sentinel nodes demonstrated histologic evidence of carbon staining. Structural integrity of all nodes was intact upon histological evaluation.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Endoscopic cervical SNB in pigs is feasible but has limitations based on lymph node size and reliability of tracer dyes. Further study is warranted to perfect tracer dyes and retrieval methods to improve this technique.

Volume

136

Issue

5

First Page

806

Last Page

810

ISSN

0194-5998

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

17478220

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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