Endoscopic Axillary Dissection in Breast Cancer

Yang, Jung Hyun; Nam, Suck Jin; Lee, Byung Boong

Abstract

Axillary dissection is still important for the management of breast cancer, even in conservative surgery. The status of axillary lymph nodes is the most valuable prognostic factor and marker for adjuvant therapy. Classical open surgery has led to significant morbidity such as big scar, limitation of shoulder motion, nerve damage, accumulation of seroma, and lymphedema. Recently, Suzanne et al(1996) reported endoscopic axillary dissection after liposuction. The advantage of this technique is the reduction of complications and a shortening of the hospital stay, as well as cosmetic effect. We report here the results of 25 breast cancer cases in which the patient received an endoscopic axillary dissection. A Partial mastectomy was done for 22 cases and a total mastectomy was performed for 3 cases. Average number of axillary lymph nodes removed was 15.4. Axillary drain tubes were removed 4.5 days postoperatively on average. Almost none of the cases were not experienced shoulder motion immediately after the operation. In conclusion, endoscopic axillary dissection has reduced morbidity compared with, and has revealed a similar number of axillary lymph nodes removed as classical open axillary dissection.