Sentinel Node Evaluation in Prostate Cancer

ObjectivesProvide an overview of the use of the sentinel node (SN) technique in prostate carcinoma. The relevance of nodal staging in the several stages of prostate carcinoma, technical aspects of the SN technique, indications, and lessons learned from it are discussed.IntroductionThe lymph node status is relevant in all M0 tumour stages. In early prostate cancer the changes of nodal involvement are so low that invasive diagnostics are superfluous. However, the definition of this early stage is narrowing since the results of extensive node dissection have shown that previously assumed low-risk patients may harbour positive lymph nodes. On the other hand, in locally advanced cases, if the decision for external-beam radiation on the lymph node basins in combination with radiation of the prostate and 3 yr of hormonal therapy has been made, a lymph node dissection seems superfluous.MethodsSN dissection may be performed in open surgery or as a laparoscopic technique. A radioactive tracer is injected into the prostate and on γ-camera imaging it is decided which lymph nodes are the possible first landing zones for the prostate tumour. During the radioguided surgery, the excision of the SNs, a handheld γ probe is used to identify the radioactive nodes. On introducing the method in a clinic, it is important to do a conformal extensive pelvic lymph node dissection as well to ensure that logistics and the performance are reliable.ResultsSN dissection is as reliable as a diagnostic tool as extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Because it may show cancer-bearing nodes outside of the region of the extended lymph node dissection, such as the presacral area, it may on occasion be even more sensitive.DiscussionThe SN technique is likely to have fewer complications compared to the extended lymph node dissection. On the other hand, an extended lymph node dissection may still be indicated when the SN procedure yields only a few positive lymph nodes and definite cure is still the aim. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the laparoscopic versus the open SN technique is not different than in any other procedure. In the near future, sophisticated imaging techniques will identify nodes that are suspicious for micrometastases. This will make minimal invasive methods to confirm the nodal status not superfluous, but more in demand.ConclusionWhen the nodal stage is important for treatment decisions, only extended dissections or the SN method will provide accurate staging. The SN procedure is less invasive and will avoid an extensive node dissection in the majority of cases.     

Feasibility of targeted axillary dissection for de-escalation of surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer

BackgroundTargeted axillary dissection, which combines sentinel lymph node biopsy with removal of the proven involved node noted during the staging process, has been shown to improve axillary staging and decrease false negative rates after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.Objective(s)The main goal of this study was to assess the ability to identify and remove the clipped node and the false negative rate of targeted axillary dissection.MethodsWe performed a prospective study among patients with biopsy-confirmed nodal metastases who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A clip was placed on the sample node prior systemic therapy. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, all patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (dual tracer), localization and excision of the clipped node and axillary lymph node dissection. The clipped node was preoperatively localized in all cases placing an iodine-125 seed guided by ultrasound. The pathology of the sentinel nodes and clipped node was compared with other nodes.ResultsA total of 455 patients with invasive breast cancer were studied. Of the 148 patients with NAC, 32 met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Mean age at diagnosis was 52.3 years. Systematic lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients, with an average of 14.3 lymph nodes removed. Detection rate of the clipped node alone was 96.9%, and 100% for targeted axillary dissection. Ability of clipped node alone to predict nodal status showed a FNR of 10,5% while SLNB alone performed by dual tracer and targeted axillary dissection, showed FNRs of 5.3% and 5.0%, respectively. Sentinel lymph nodes matched clipped node in 23 patients (74.2%).Conclusion (s)In node positive breast cancer patients, targeted axillary dissection is a reliably approach for axillary staging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The preoperative location of the clipped node is mandatory to increase the detection rate and optimize the results of the technique.     

Pelvic lymph node dissection in metastatic melanoma to the groin should not be abandoned yet

Background

In recent years there has been a plea to abandon the pelvic lymph node dissection in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma to the groin. A trend towards a conservative surgical treatment is already evolving in several European countries. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with pelvic nodal involvement, in order to improve selection of patients whom might benefit from a pelvic nodal dissection.

Fully robotic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

PurposeRobotic surgery with technical advantages was shown to make complex maneuvers easier and more precise for gastric surgery [1]. This video demonstrates our technique on robotic total gastrectomy with the da Vinci Xi platform for gastric cancer.Methods68-year-old female was presented with persistent epigastric abdominal pain and underwent upper endoscopy showed ulcerated mass extended from the cardia to the lesser curvature. Histopathology showed gastric adenocarcinoma. After patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, decision was made to proceed with surgery.ResultsInitially, greater curvature dissection was started by division of the gastrocolic ligament with entering the lesser sac with monopolar scissors and bipolar forceps. The right gastroomental vessels were identified and divided at their root along with lymph nodes. After ligation of the right gastric vessels, dissection was extended to retrieve lymph nodes around the left gastric vessels. Duodenum was circumferentially dissected and transected 2 cm distal to the pylorus. Subsequently, extended lymphadenectomy was started with suprapancreatic lymph node dissection to retrieve lymph nodes around the common hepatic artery and celiac axis. Spleen-preserving dissection of the lymphatic tissue of the distal splenic artery and the splenic hilum was performed. The distal esophagus was divided with robotic stapler. Fully robotic end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis was constructed. For the reconstruction of gastrointestinal continuity after total gastrectomy, side-to-side jejuno-jejunal anastomosis was performed. Total operative time was 5 hours and estimated blood loss was 20 cc.DiscussionTotally robotic gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy is a safe technique for gastric cancer and provides intracorporeal suturing in reconstructing the anatomy.     

Robotic curative para-aortic lymph node dissection via INfra-mesocolon for gastric cancer: Robotic CAVING approach

BackgroundTwo major surgical complications in D2 plus para-aortic nodal dissection (PAND) for gastric cancer (GC) have been pancreatic fistula and abdominal abscess [1]. The increase in these complications is due to the excessive mobilization of the pancreas. We previously reported a laparoscopic Curative PAND Via INfra-mesocolon for GC (CAVING), which minimizes mobilization of the pancreas [2]. Robotic surgery may be more comfortable than laparoscopic surgery for the surgeon performing this CAVING approach because robotic surgery has ergonomic benefits and advantages, such as native wrist-like motion and three-dimensional vision. We initially report successful robotic CAVING approach on a 72-year-old male with GC with para-aortic nodal metastases (clinical stage IV) [3].MethodsWe apply PAND after chemotherapy to patients with resectable gastric cancer who are suspected of having metastases to the lymph nodes around the para-aorta. CAVING approach minimizes mobilization of the pancreas and maximizes the view from the caudal side, which has been likened to cave exploration, a specialty of robotic surgery. The caudal side of the root of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) can be dissected via the infra-pancreas, and only the cranial side of the SMA root requires a suprapancreatic approach.ResultsAfter neoadjuvant chemotherapy using trastuzumab plus S-1 and oxaliplatin, robotic subtotal gastrectomy plus D2 with PAND was performed. The operation took 491 min (105 min for PAND) with no intraoperative complications, and blood loss of 92 ml. Final pathological examination showed complete response, yp stage 0 [3]. The patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 17.ConclusionsRobotic CAVING approach is feasible and safe in advanced GC with para-aortic nodal metastases, but its oncological value has yet to be determined.     

Status and prognosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with cardia cancer – A systematic review

BackgroundAdenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) has a poor prognosis and survival rates significantly decreases if lymph node metastasis is present. An extensive lymphadenectomy may increase chances of cure, but may also lead to further postoperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the optimal treatment of cardia cancer remains controversial. A systematic review of English publications dealing with adenocarcinoma of the cardia was conducted to elucidate patterns of nodal spread and prognostic implications.MethodsA systematic literature search based on PRISMA guidelines identifying relevant studies describing lymph node metastasis and the associated prognosis. Lymph node stations were classified according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association guidelines.ResultsThe highest incidence of metastasis is seen in the nearest regional lymph nodes, station no. 1–3 and additionally in no. 7, 9 and 11. Correspondingly the best survival is seen when metastasis remain in the most locoregional nodes and survival equally tends to decrease as the metastasis become more distant. Furthermore, the presence of lymph node metastasis significantly correlates to the TNM-stage. Incidences of metastasis in mediastinal lymph nodes are associated with poor survival.ConclusionThe best survival rates is seen when lymph node metastasis remains locoregional and survival rates decreases when distant lymph node metastasis is present. The dissection of locoregional lymph nodes offers significantly therapeutic benefit, but larger and prospective studies are needed to evaluate the effect of dissecting distant and mediastinal lymph nodes.     

Clinical nodal staging scores for prostate cancer: a proposal for preoperative risk assessment

Background:

Pelvic lymph node dissection in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localised prostate cancer is not without morbidity and its therapeutical benefit is still a matter of debate. The objective of this study was to develop a model that allows preoperative determination of the minimum number of lymph nodes needed to be removed at radical prostatectomy to ensure true nodal status.

Methods:

We analysed data from 4770 patients treated with radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection between 2000 and 2011 from eight academic centres. For external validation of our model, we used data from a cohort of 3595 patients who underwent an anatomically defined extended pelvic lymph node dissection. We estimated the sensitivity of pathological nodal staging using a beta-binomial model and developed a novel clinical (preoperative) nodal staging score (cNSS), which represents the probability that a patient has lymph node metastasis as a function of the number of examined nodes.

Results:

In the development and validation cohorts, the probability of missing a positive lymph node decreases with increase in the number of nodes examined. A 90% cNSS can be achieved in the development and validation cohorts by examining 1–6 nodes in cT1 and 6–8 nodes in cT2 tumours. With 11 nodes examined, patients in the development and validation cohorts achieved a cNSS of 90% and 80% with cT3 tumours, respectively.

Conclusions:

Pelvic lymph node dissection is the only reliable technique to ensure accurate nodal staging in patients treated with radical prostatectomy for clinically localised prostate cancer. The minimum number of examined lymph nodes needed for accurate nodal staging may be predictable, being strongly dependent on prostate cancer characteristics at diagnosis.     

双侧腹股沟淋巴结转移对淋巴结阳性阴茎癌预后评估的价值

目的探讨双侧腹股沟淋巴结转移在淋巴结阳性阴茎癌预后评估中的价值。方法回顾性分析60例淋巴结转移阳性阴茎鳞状细胞癌患者资料。所有患者均接受区域淋巴结清扫手术。Kaplan-Meier法绘制无复发生存曲线并通过Log—rank检验加以分析,COX回归模型进行多因素生存分析。结果60例患者中18例有双侧腹股沟淋巴结转移,其3年无复发生存率（26．7％）显著低于单侧腹股沟淋巴结转移患者（65．3％）,差异有统计学意义（x^2=10．6,P=0．001）。经多因素生存分析,阳性淋巴结数目和双侧腹股沟淋巴结转移均是独立的生存预后因素（均P〈0．05）。生存曲线比较显示双侧腹股沟淋巴结转移且阳性淋巴结数〉2个的患者预后差。结论在考虑了淋巴结阳性阴茎癌阳性淋巴结数目的影响后,双侧腹股沟淋巴结转移仍是其重要预后指标。     

Carcinoma of the penis

Most premalignant penile lesions should be completely locally excised. Giant condyloma frequently cannot be distinguished from fungating carcinoma and usually requires limited penectomy. Cancers other than epidermoid carcinomas are very rare and, except for basal cell carcinoma, have a generally poor prognosis. Prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma, however, depends on the stage of disease as determined by both local invasion and by involvement of inguinal nodes. The three-year survival rates for 55 patients were: stage I, 95 percent; stage II, 67 percent; stage III, 29 percent; and stage IV, zero percent. Most primary lesions were treated by partial penectomy, and no patient developed local recurrence. There is a significant discrepancy between initial clinical and histologic staging, due to the difficulty of determining lymph node metastases. Current methods of radiation therapy indicate that it has a role for management of primary penile cancer, especially in young men with small lesions. The management of inguinal lymph nodes is still debated. Although the reliability of the sentinel node biopsy has not been established, it may be appropriate in patients with noninvasive primary lesions and no detectable inguinal metastases. The need for immediate or prophylactic lymph node dissection in patients with invasive primary tumors is controversial. Successful management depends on careful and frequent follow-up examinations, with early intervention for suspicious adenopathy. In view of the poor prognosis for advanced lymph node metastases, we prefer to use early lymph node dissection when the primary lesion is deeply invasive. Limited bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection is associated with minimal morbidity and seems to be an appropriate prelude to groin dissection. Extensive pelvic metastases are a sign of incurability and abrogate the need for groin dissection. We prefer to perform the inguinal dissection at the time of lymph node dissection through a separate curve groin incision.     

Feasibility and morbidity of sentinel lymph node detection in patients with vulvar carcinoma

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and the morbidity of sentinel lymph node detection in patients with vulvar carcinoma. In 15 patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, the inguinal sentinel lymph nodes was detected using both peritumoral injection of technetium-99m sulfur colloid and isosuflan blue before the surgical time. The detection of the inguinal sentinel lymph node was never completed by an inguinal lymphadenectomy. In case of metastatic lymph node, patients were treated by complementary inguinal irradiation. A total of 19 inguinal node dissection were performed. The sentinel lymph node was identified in 18/19 (94.7%) groin dissections. A total of 38 sentinel lymph nodes were removed. 4 patients were found to have metastatic lymph node (26.7%) with a total of 6 metastatic lymph nodes. The postoperative morbidity was minimal, with only one patient presenting a permanent edema of the extremity (6.7%) after complementary inguinal irradiation. We confirm the results of previous studies that sentinel node dissection appears to be technically feasible in patients with vulvar carcinoma. This may reduce the morbidity of usual inguinal lymphadenectomy without under-evaluate the nodal status. This procedure could be implemented in future therapy concepts.     

Inguinal Metastasis in Penile Cancer: Diagnosis and Management

We provide an overview of current clinical practice and future developments regarding the diagnosis and management of nodal metastasis in patients with penile carcinoma. The dissemination pattern of penile carcinoma is predominantly lymphogenic. The inguinal regions are the first site of metastasis. Patients with proven inguinal metastasis should undergo an inguinal lymph node dissection. However, the management of clinically node negative patients remains subject of debate. Physical examination and present imaging techniques are not sensitive enough to detect occult nodal metastasis. The current EAU guidelines divide this group of patients into three risk groups (for having nodal metastasis) based on primary tumour characteristics. A wait-and-see policy is advised for patients in the low risk group, while patients in the highest risk group should undergo an elective inguinal lymph node dissection. However, using the guidelines the majority of patients still needlessly undergoes inguinal lymph node dissection, a procedure associated with high morbidity. Dynamic sentinel node biopsy is a minimally-invasive technique to reliably assess the lymph node status of clinically node-negative patients, though its use is currently not widespread. The role of chemo- and radiation therapy is confined to advanced stages of disease. Future developments include the use of new imaging techniques such as nanoparticle enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Several biomarkers to detect nodal metastasis are under investigation.     

Preoperative predictors of high and low axillary nodal burden in Z0011 eligible breast cancer patients with a positive lymph node needle biopsy result

Background

Z0011 trial showed that early breast cancer patients with low axillary nodal burden, may be spared an axillary lymph node dissection with no survival compromise. Axillary lymph node dissection can be reserved for patients with a high axillary nodal burden. We aim to determine the preoperative factors that could distinguish between low and high axillary nodal burden in Z0011 eligible patients with a needle biopsy proven metastatic node.

Lobe-Specific Lymph Node Dissection as a Standard Procedure in Surgery for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Study

IntroductionSystematic lymph node dissection (SND) is the standard procedure in surgical treatment for NSCLC, but the value of this approach for survival and nodal staging is still uncertain. In this study, we evaluated the potential of lobe-specific lymph node dissection (L-SND) in surgery for NSCLC by using a propensity score matching method.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2007, 565 patients with cT1a–2b N0–1 M0 NSCLC underwent lobectomy with lymph node dissection at our 10 affiliated hospitals. Patients were classified into groups that underwent nodal sampling, L-SND, and systematic dissection SND on the basis of pathological data for the number and extent of nodal resection. A total of 77 patients with insufficient pathological data were excluded from the study.ResultsOverall, survival did not differ significantly among the groups (p = 0.552), but the rate of detection of pN2 in the SND group (13.1%) was significantly higher than in the nodal sampling (3.3%) and L-SND (9.0%) groups (p = 0.010). However, given the many confounding factors in the patient characteristics in each group, outcomes were reevaluated using a propensity score matching method for the L-SND and SND groups. After matching, the two groups had no significant differences in 5-year overall survival (73.5% for L-SND versus 75.3% for SND, p = 0.977) and pN2 detection (8.2% in both groups, p = 0.779).ConclusionsThese results suggest that lobe-specific lymph node dissection has the potential to be a standard procedure in surgical treatment for NSCLC.     

Performance of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence for Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: The use of sentinel lymph node dissection in several cancers has been gaining attention with the emergence of indocyanine green fluorescence. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic performance of indocyanine green fluorescence in detecting lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients.Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS on November 30, 2020, to identify eligible studies. Studies were eligible if they investigated the diagnostic performance of indocyanine green fluorescence before pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate cancer patients and reported the number of true positives, false positives, false negatives, and true negatives on lymph node–based analysis in comparison to histopathologic findings in the dissected specimen.Results: Our systematic review covered 11 studies published between 2011 and 2020, with 519 patients, and our meta-analysis included 9 studies with 479 patients. Based on lymph node analysis of indocyanine green fluorescence, the results showed pooled sensitivity and specificity at 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49 to 0.90) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.70), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 6.0 (95%CI 2 to 21). Several lymphatic drainage routes also showed sentinel lymph nodes localized outside the ordinal pelvic lymph node template.Conclusions: We noted relatively low diagnostic performance for lymph node metastasis, suggesting that indocyanine fluorescence may not currently be a viable alternative to pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate cancer patients. However, this technique shows novel lymphatic drainage routes and underscores the importance of lymph nodes not removed in ordinary dissection.     

Lymph node metastases and prognosis in penile cancer

Lymph node status is a key prognostic factor in penile squamous cell carcinoma. Recently, growing evidence indicates a multimodality approach consisting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by consolidation surgery improves the outcome of locally advanced penile cancer. Thus, accurate estimation of survival probability in node‐positive penile cancer is critical for treatment decision making, counseling of patients and follow‐up scheduling. This article reviewed evolving developments in assessing the risk for cancer progression based on lymph node related variables, such as the number of metastatic lymph nodes, bilateral lymph node metastases, the ratio of positive lymph nodes, extracapsular extension of metastatic lymph nodes, pelvic lymph node metastases, metastatic deposit in sentinel lymph nodes and N stage in TNM classification. Controversial issues surrounding the prognostic value of these nodal related predictors were also discussed.     

The evolution of the management of regional lymph nodes in melanoma

The last two decades have seen sweeping changes in the surgical approach to melanoma. Traditionally, patients without evidence of nodal metastases were considered for elective lymph node dissection. This approach placed many patients at risk of morbidity while many derived no benefit. As investigators gained a deeper understanding of melanoma and lymphatic biology, newer methods of managing regional lymph nodes were sought. The advent of sentinel node biopsy has radically changed the approach to melanoma.     

Results of a nation-wide retrospective study of lymphadenectomy for esophagogastric junction carcinoma

Background

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) carcinoma has attracted considerable attention because of the marked increase in its incidence globally. However, the optimal extent of esophagogastric resection for this tumor entity remains highly controversial.

Methods

This was a questionnaire-based national retrospective study undertaken in an attempt to define the optimal extent of lymph node dissection for EGJ cancer. Data from patients with EGJ carcinoma, less than 40 mm in diameter, who underwent R0 resection between January 2001 and December 2010 were reviewed.

Results

Clinical records of 2807 patients without preoperative therapy were included in the analysis. There are distinct disparities in terms of the nodal dissection rate according to histology and the predominant tumor location. Nodal metastases frequently involved the abdominal nodes, especially those at the right and left cardia, lesser curvature and along the left gastric artery. Nodes along the distal portion of the stomach were much less often metastatic, and their dissection seemed unlikely to be beneficial. Lower mediastinal node dissection might contribute to improving survival for patients with esophagus-predominant EGJ cancer. However, due to low dissection rates for nodes of the middle and upper mediastinum, no conclusive result was obtained regarding the optimal extent of nodal dissection in this region.

Conclusions

Complete nodal clearance along the distal portion of the stomach offers marginal survival benefits for patients with EGJ cancers less than 4 cm in diameter. The optimal extent of esophageal resection and the benefits of mediastinal node dissection remain issues to be addressed in managing patients with esophagus-predominant EGJ cancers.

     

“Five-step” laparoscopic lymph node dissection for remnant gastric cancer following Billroth-II gastrectomy: A safe and feasible procedure

BackgroundLaparoscopic surgery (LS) for remnant gastric cancer (RGC) is gaining interest [1–3]. However, due to adhesions to adjacent organs, displacement of anatomical structures, and changes in lymphatic flow triangulation, LS for RGC is considered challenging. In this study, we report our experience performing laparoscopic lymph node dissection for RGC following Billroth-II gastrectomy.MethodsThe procedure was separated into five steps: (1) exploration and separation of adhesions and the greater omentum; (2) dissection of the lymph nodes (LNs) in the suprapancreatic area; (3) exposing the right side of the esophagus; (4) exposing the left gastroepiploic vessels and dissection of the LNs in the splenic hilar area; and (5) exposing the left side of the esophagus. The above procedure was performed for 45 RGC patients with stage cT1-4aN0/+ disease from January 2008 to June 2017.ResultsThere were no conversions to open surgery. The mean operation time was 195.0 ± 52.5 min, the mean blood loss was 104.3 ± 90.4 ml, and the mean times to first flatus, fluid diet, and soft diet were 3.6 ± 1.1 days, 4.5 ± 1.4 days, and 9.0 ± 5.1 days, respectively. A mean of 19.8 ± 12.7 LNs were retrieved. The overall postoperative morbidity rate, major postoperative morbidity [4] rate and mortality rate were 22.2%, 11.1%, and 0%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 47 months, the cumulative 3-year overall survival rate was 56.8%.ConclusionsThis novel “five-step” laparoscopic lymph node dissection approach was technically safe and feasible in RGC patients following Billroth-II gastrectomy.     

Loco-regional nodal relapse in melanoma.

Two-hundred and seven patients without evidence of disease following lymph node dissection (LND) were stratified into three groups: Group A, lymph node relapse within the site of prior LND; Group B, lymph node relapse in a different, but regional, lymph node group; Group C, no lymph node relapse. Decreased survival was noted in both Groups A and B versus Group C. Prognostic factors were identified as: (i) axial or subungal/volar (subvolar) location and the number of positive lymph nodes at initial LND for nodal relapse within the same lymph node group; (ii) male gender, axial/subvolar location, and the number of histologically positive lymph nodes at initial LND for nodal relapse in a different, but regional lymph node group; (iii) relapse within the initial LND site for a decreased survival. Six of 10 patients with both axial/subvolar primaries and four or more positive lymph nodes developed a relapse within the dissection site post-LND. These prognostic factors describe a subset of patients who would be candidates for postoperative adjuvant local/regional and systemic therapy trials.     

Indocyanine green guidance for combined robotic pelvic and para-aortic sentinel node mapping in cervical cancer

BackgroundIndocyanine green (ICG) for pelvic sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is well established in endometrial cancer (Persson et al., 2019 Jul). However, the application for para-aortic SLNs is less reported; and the detection rate of para-aortic SLNs, mainly after cervical injection of ICG, varies between 14% and 71% (Rossi et al., 2013 Nov; Kim et al., 2020 Mar; Gallotta et al., 2019 Mar). One recent report differentiates between lower and upper para-aortic SLNs in endometrial cancer (Kim et al., 2020 Mar). Here we describe a technique using ICG for identifying pelvic SLNs, lower and upper para-aortic SLNs in cervical cancer.VideoA 46-year old female presented with high grade cervical dysplasia/carcinoma in situ on cervical smear. Cervical cone biopsy revealed a grade two squamous cell carcinoma (depth of invasion 6.8mm, width 20.8mm). Clinically she was staged as an early FIGO-stage IB2 cervical cancer. NMR revealed bilaterally enlarged iliac lymph nodes. Additional PET-CT revealed FDG-uptake in the enlarged pelvic lymph nodes. In view of the imaging findings a staging Robotic pelvic and para-aortic SLN procedure was planned, prior to select the primary treatment (radical hysterectomy or chemo-radiation). ICG was injected into the cervical stroma, and a robotic pelvic and para-aortic SLN dissection (using Firefly System ®, Intuitive Surgical Inc.) was initiated 15 minutes and 35 minutes, respectively, after cervical injection.ResultsThis video demonstrates the application of ICG for mapping bilateral primary pelvic SLNs, secondary and tertiary para-aortic SLNs in the lower and upper para-aortic region respectively, in cervical cancer. Pathology revealed one metastatic pelvic SLN on the left side, other four pelvic SLNs were negative; both the secondary/lower (n = 3) and tertiary/upper (n = 5) para-aortic SLNs were negative, as well as the non-SLNs (n = 8).ConclusionThe application of ICG for para-aortic SLN mapping should further be investigated and validated in staging surgically locally advanced cervical cancer and those with suspicious lymph nodes on imaging.