Malignant Breast Disease

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Minimally invasive Axillary Lymph Node Dissection is a technique that allows your surgeon to remove one lymph node (sentinel node) or multiple lymph nodes from the axilla (armpit) of a patient with breast cancer. The lymph nodes are then looked at under a microscope to determine if the cancer cells have spread to these structures. This information alllows your surgeon to determine what stage the breast cancer is in and whether or not chemotherapy is indicated. It may also determine whether a stronger or weaker chemotherapy regimen is needed.

How Is Minimally Invasive Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Performed?

Three small incisions are made on the patient’s upper chest wall, away from the armpit. A small fiberoptic telescope is placed in one of these incisions and small precision surgical instruments are used to remove the lymph nodes. A video camera is connected to this telescope, projecting images on video monitors located in the operating room. If a sentinel node biopsy is to be performed, a dye is injected into the breast before the surgery.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Axillary Surgery?

• Three tiny scars away from the armpit instead of one large scar in that area.
• Shorter hospital stay--you may leave the same day or the day after surgery.
• Reduced pain after surgery.
• Shorter recovery time and quicker return to daily activities, including work.

What Can I Expect after Surgery?

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery. Although many people feel better in just a few days, you may need to take it easy for two to four weeks.

How Safe Is Minimally Invasive Breast Surgery?

If performed by experts in this field, this procedure is as safe as "open" surgery in carefully selected cases.