O69: THE SENTINEL LYMPH NODE TECHNIQUE IN THE ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Introduction The sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept represents advancement in the management of the endometrial cancer (EC). We aim to assess the performance of the SLN procedure; its positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV); in stage I of EC (FIGO2009). Method A prospective study is conducted in our institution. We perform a double detection of the SLN (radiolabel Tc 99 microsulfur colloid and a color method using patent blue) followed by pelvic lymphadenectomy with or without paraaortic lymphadenectomy. A pelvic MRI is performed to determine myometrial invasion and nodal status. The injection of Tc 99m colloid occurs the day prior to surgery. The injection into the stroma of the cervix at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions was performed by an oncologist surgeon with the assistance of a nuclear medicine physician. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was obtained after 90-120 minutes. We inject into the cervical stroma 2cc of patent blue similar to the Tc99 injection. A gamma detecting probe is used to locate radioactive lymph nodes. The SLNs identified then are labelled as radioactive and/or blue. No frozen-section analysis was performed. Results For the pathological analysis of the SLN, Haematoxylin Eosin is used. If there is no metastasis detected, an ultra staging protocol using different anti-cytokeratines is conducted. Studies have shown that this approach is possible having satisfactory results when conducted by dedicated surgical, radiology and pathology team. We look forward to our outcomes to illustrate those results. Take-home message Sentinel lymph node is a good alternative for gynecological cancer