Endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy without prior liposuction

Abstract

Background: A new technique of endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy without prior liposuction was developed by our group.

Method: A total of 33 patients with early stage breast cancer were treated by breast-conserving therapy and endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy.

Results: The median duration of the operation was 74.9 min (range, 30–130). Operation time was significantly shorter for the last 17 patients (p < 0.05) than for the first 16 patients. There were no intraoperative complications. The median number of removed lymph nodes was 14.5 (range, 2–28). Postoperatively three patients developed a seroma, one of which required evacuation. At postoperative day 5, arm mobility was unrestricted in 26 patients (78.7%); nine patients (27.2%) reported a loss of sensation in the outer side of the upper arm related to dermatome C5. One patient developed a temporary alar scapula, and one patient developed an axillary abscess 9 weeks after axillary lymphadenectomy during radiation therapy. After a median follow-up of 4.6 months seven patients reported persistent impairment of sensation, but all patients had regained full shoulder mobility.

Conclusion: Endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy can be done safely without prior liposuction.