This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
High incidence of in‐transit metastases after sentinel node biopsy in patients with melanoma. BJS 2004; 91: 1370-1371.
Published: 9th August 2004
Authors: S. H. Estourgie, O. E. Nieweg, B. B. R. Kroon
Background
The occurrence of in‐transit metastases in patients with a tumour‐positive sentinel node varies greatly between centres and it has been suggested that the incidence is high in this patient group.
Method
The incidence of in‐transit metastases in 61 patients who had lymph node dissection because of a tumour‐positive sentinel node was compared with that in 60 patients who had palpable nodal metastases dissected.
Results
The incidence of in‐transit metastases was 23 per cent in patients with a positive sentinel node and 8 per cent in those with palpable nodes (P = 0·027).
Conclusion
Sentinel node biopsy was associated with a higher risk of in‐transit metastases. This finding does not support the routine use of sentinel node biopsy in the management of melanoma. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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