Experience with endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy usingneedlescopic instruments in patients with breast cancer

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy using needlescopic instruments in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Five patients with breast cancer were treated by partial mastectomy and endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy. We evaluated the results of the surgical procedure and the postoperative course. RESULTS: In all the patients, endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy was performed successfully. The mean duration of the operation was 105.4 min, the mean blood loss 19.4 ml, and the mean number of dissected axillary lymph nodes 13. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. The mean amount of lymphorrhea was 131.2 ml, and the mean duration of drainage was 3.6 days. No postoperative analgesics were administered. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic axillary lymphadenectomy can be performed safely with needlescopic instruments, but further study is needed to establish this technique.