Predicting pathological response and overall survival in locally advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: the role of PET/computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with a 5-year survival rate of about 20-25%. The ability to predict pathological response (PR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT); hence, overall survival (OS) probability of patients can allow the clinician to individualize treatment strategies. We investigated the role of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) in predicting histopathologic response and prognosis in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) patients undergoing NACT. METHODS: F-18FDG PET/CT images taken before and after NACT, adenocarcinoma histopathology and operation pyesis reports of 43 LAGC patients were analyzed. Maximum (SUVmax) and mean (SUVmean) standardized uptake values, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of lesions were measured before and after NACT. Changes in percentage were calculated for ΔSUVmax%, ΔSUVmean%, ΔMTV%, ΔTLG%, and cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. NACT response in pathology pyesis was determined according to the College of American Pathologists classification. PR and OS were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression models based on cutoffs found with PET measurements. RESULTS: Cutoffs were ΔSUVmax = 33.31%, ΔSUVmean = 42.96%, ΔMTV = 30.38%, and ΔTLG = 28.14%, and all patients showed significance in PR and OS based on these cutoffs (all P < 0.01). PET/CT findings before and after NACT (ΔMTV > 30.38%, ΔTLG > 28.14%) predicted PR with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Multivariate analysis showed ΔSUVmean as an independent risk factor predicting OS (hazard ratio 0.348, 95% confidence interval 2.91-22.3, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic parameters obtained with F-18 FDG PET/CT scanning before and after NACT in LAGC patients can accurately predict PR and OS.

Microperforation after colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection, air in 5 separate locations.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal dissection (EMD) are recognized treatment procedures for mucosal lesions. There will always be a risk for complications even if they are performed by experienced specialists. In this study, we aimed to present a 58-year-old male patient in whom lesion was detected in the proximal part of the descending colon during a colonoscopy. Histopathological examination of the lesion revealed intramucosal carcinoma. The lesion was removed by ESD but after the intervention, bilateral pneumothoraxes, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and pneumoderma complications observed. It is quite unlikely to encounter all of these complications together in one patient. In this paper, we would like to highlight the potential for complications after ESD, even for the rare and unexpected ones, to contribute to their recognition and treatment.

Analysis of the Factors Affecting Survival in the Patients who Underwent Curative-Intent Gastrectomy due to Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of clinicopathological factors on overall survival in the patients who underwent curative-intent gastrectomy due to gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The medical records of 644 patients who underwent gastrectomy between January 2007 and January 2017 in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Among these patients, 359 patients were included in this study. The impact of several prognostic factors on survival was investigated. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.2±11.6 (29-83). Male/female ratio was 2.12. The median follow-up time was 19 months (CI=10.1-31.1). Median overall survival was 23±2.3 months (CI=18.3-27.6). Splenectomy, R1 (microscopically incomplete) resection, and advanced stage were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: R1 resection, splenectomy, and advanced TNM stage were associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Splenectomy should be avoided in the absence of direct invasion of the tumour or metastasis of lymph nodes on splenic hilum to prevent postoperative infectious complication-related mortality.

The factors that affect the mortality of emergency operated ASA 3 colon cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: colorectal cancers take third place among cancer-related deaths and 10-28% of these patients are admitted with the necessity of emergency surgical intervention. The main propose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting mortality in ASA 3 colorectal cancer patients who undergo emergency surgery. METHODS: between 2010 and 2017 ASA 3 patients who underwent emergency colon cancer surgery were included in the study. All of the study group was evaluated within the first 30-day time-frame. The results were obtained by a statistical comparison of the data of patients with and without mortality. RESULTS: one hundred and twenty eight patients included in the study. There was no statistical difference in the demographic data of the groups and the indications of the operation. The differences and durations of surgery also did not make any statistical difference. The complication rate was the same according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSION: despite the screening programs applied in colorectal cancers, applications to emergency services and procedures performed under emergency conditions are still at high levels. Surgical operations, which have to be performed in patients with impaired metabolic status, carry major risks for patients, but their outcomes are also satisfactory for them.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the colon: 2 case reports and a comprehensive review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT), which is also named as plasma cell granuloma (PCG) or inflammatory pseudotumour (IPT), is a rare tumour which rarely develops in the colorectal region. We aimed to review all reported cases to draw attention about this rare tumour. METHODS: We present two new cases of colonic IMT with no recurrence during the follow-up period. We also reviewed previously reported colorectal IMT/IPT/PCG patients to investigate demographics, diagnosis and treatment modalities. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients which including our 2 patients and 58 patients from 42 published articles were analysed. Male/female ratio was 34/26. Mean age was found to be 31.84 ± 22.26 years (9 months-82 years). Abdominal pain (56.7%) and fever (23.3%) were the most common complaints in the first admission. Fifty-nine (98.3%) out of 60 patients underwent surgery. During follow-up, 7 (14.3%) patients developed a local recurrence. CONCLUSION: IMT may occur at any age. IMT is considered to be a borderline tumour with the potential for recurrence or distant metastasis. Complete resection of the tumour is recommended for treatment. Long-time follow-up is necessary due to recurrence potential of the tumour even many years after complete surgical resection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study follows the regulation of the Institutional Review Board for human research at Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital. Written informed consents were obtained from the patients who participated in this study.

Should we still doubt the success of emergency oncologic colorectal surgery?: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the importance of oncologic principles in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery has been emphasized in many studies. Although emergency surgery is related to high morbidity and mortality rates, their adequacy and prognosis in maintaining oncologic principles are still controversial. This study aims to compare the clinicopathological features of CRC patients who underwent emergency and elective surgical resection and also to evaluate their compatibility with oncologic principles and to evaluate their short/long term results. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent surgery for CRC, 564 were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their surgical conditions as an emergency (Group 1) and elective (Group 2). Demographics, clinicopathological features, prognostic factors and survival rates of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 104 (18.4%) patients in group 1 and 460 (81.6%) patients in group 2. 61.2% of the patients were male and the mean age was 64.27. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in age distribution, tumor localization, surgical procedures, T- N classification, AJCC stage, presence of mucinous subtype, lymphovascular and perineural invasion. The mean tumor diameter was 5.23±3.48 cm. There was no difference between the groups concerning the adequacy of lymph node harvest, except in patients who underwent low anterior resection. The mean survival time was 475.212 days, and the median survival time was 376 days. The disease-free and overall survival rates were higher in group 2. CONCLUSION: Despite the appropriate oncologic resection, CRC patients operated under emergency conditions had worse short-term and long-term results than the CRC patients operated under elective conditions. Thus, we believe that the prevalence of colorectal cancer screening programs should be increased to reduce the rate of emergency surgery.

Do microsatellite instability (MSI) and deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) affect the pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients with rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant treatment?

Recently, individualized approaches for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancers (RC) have been introduced to determine the most beneficial one for boosting the tumor response and assessing the response more accurately. However, despite each patient and tumor have different molecular features, the studies at the molecular level are very limited. In this study, examining the clinical factors which are predictive of pathologic complete response (pCR), helping to determine a treatment program for the management of patients with locally advanced RC, and evaluating the relation between regression grade and MMR-MSI were aimed. 341 RC cases who had undergone surgery were included and divided into three groups according to their response to neoadjuvant treatment. The following parameters were analyzed for all patients: age at diagnosis, sex, tumor location, tumor differentiation, TNM stage, histological subtype, CEA (mean: < 5 ng/ml) level, lymphovascular-neural invasion, presence of mucinous subtype, grade, MMR, and MSI statuses. 147 patients (43.2%) had no response (group 1), 141 patients (41.3%) had an intermediate response (group 2), and 53 patients (15.5%) had a complete response (group 3). Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was used in all of the patients with the same protocol. Multivariate analysis revealed that clinical T stage (p: 0.099) and MMR (p: 0.048) were the parameters which were significantly associated with pCR. Since MMR and MSI statuses were found to affect pCR, more careful patient selection for "watch and wait" protocol and further studies on molecular structures of the tumors for individualized therapies are required.

Postoperative hemorrhage complications following the Whipple procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Although the Whipple operation is an essential surgical technique, its high morbidity (30% to 60%) and mortality (5%) are problems to be addressed. The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage has been reported between 5% and 16% in the literature. In this study, the data and results regarding postoperative hemorrhage complications from our clinic were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files of 185 patients who had undergone Whipple operation in our hospital in the last five years were evaluated retrospectively, and the causes of hemorrhage were attempted to be determined. RESULTS: It was found that 6 out of the 13 (7%) patients who had hemorrhage died. In six of there 13 cases, hemorrhage occurred due to fistulas from the portal vein, gastroduodenal artery, and pancreatic arteries at variable periods. Two cases were found to have developed disseminated intravascular coagulation as a result of sepsis. Early intervention was performed in two cases who bled from the meso veins and in one case who bled from the portal vein. Laparotomy and hemostasis were performed in a patient who bled from the gastric anastomosis line. In a patient who had been taking low molecular weight heparin, bleeding from the drains and nasogastric tube stopped following the cessation of the drug. CONCLUSION: Preventive procedures such as connection of the vascular structures, use of vascular sealants, omental patching during surgery, and reducing the risk of complications by using somatostatin analogs were performed to prevent hemorrhages after Whipple operations. In addition to standard methods, angiography and embolization have emerged as effective methods in the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhages. Furthermore, determination and elimination of independent risk factors, such as jaundice, affecting fistula formation and bleeding in the perioperative period, is important for prevention.

Importance of informed consent defined by General Surgery Associations in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Informed consent is a term based on the idea that every individual has the right to know every medical intervention that is going to be performed on their own body and to learn the issues that she/he may encounter in case of refusal of intervention, and it also defines the protection of personal rights under the guarantee of law. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The website of Turkish Surgical Association and 25 different websites of surgical associations were evaluated according to general surgery association guide, which was published by the Turkish Surgical Association in 2011. RESULTS: Four websites of those surveyed include informed consent sections and these were evaluated. A total of 44 informed consent forms were included in this study. Of these, 29 were in Turk Colon and Rectum Surgery Association, 8 were in Turkish Surgery Association, 5 were in Turk Hepatopancreaticobilier Surgery Association, and 4 were in Endocrine Surgery Association. These informed consent forms were evaluated with regard to the aforementioned criteria. The results and also the distribution according to the associations were summarized. A common feature of the informed consent forms was that all of them included the risks of the intervention/operation and complications to be carried out. On the contrary, none of them included approximate time of surgery, information about surgeons, issues that patients should care about before surgery, the section that permits the use of data for scientific purpose, and the time of signing the informed consent form. CONCLUSION: We believe that in this context the regulation of informed consent by sub-specialization associations under the flag of Turkish Surgical Association is a very important matter and will standardize informed consents; websites of the associations will be easier to access, and this will be as beneficial for physicians as the patients and also will protect the physicians in probable trials.

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery in Patients With Previous Abdominal Surgery: A Single-center Experience and Literature Review.

To present the outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in colorectal cancer patients with a previous history of abdominal surgery. Data of a total of 121 patients with primary colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups as those with previous abdominal surgery (PAS, n=34) and those without (non-PAS, n=87). Gastric and colonic surgeries were the most common procedures in the major PAS group, whereas gynecologic and obstetric surgeries and appendectomy were the most common procedures in the minor PAS group. However, there were statistically significant differences in the overall complication rates, wound complications, and anastomotic leaks, although there were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative ileus, pneumonia, port site herniation, and postoperative bleeding between the groups. Our study results suggest that laparoscopic colorectal surgery can be safely performed in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent abdominal surgery previously.

How much Reliable Is Alvarado Scoring System in Reducing Negative Appendectomy?

There is still an ongoing debate, especially regarding early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Early surgery leads to inadequate evaluation of acute abdominal pain and negative appendectomy, whereas delayed surgery leads to appendicitis perforation complications. The diagnosis of this condition is considerably difficult, especially due to subtle early symptoms and clinical condition. The aim of the present study was to identify whether the Alvarado scoring system could reduce the incidence of negative appendectomy in patients who will undergo surgery for acute appendicitis. Patients who underwent surgery with acute appendicitis prediagnosis were retrospectively classified as negative appendectomies (group A) and positive appendectomies (group B) according to histological diagnosis. All groups were evaluated for age, gender, Alvarado scores, and parameters. Two hundred eighty-one patients were included in the study. Group A contained 71 (25.3 %) patients, and group B contained 210 (74.7 %) patients. There was a significant difference in WBC, left shift, rebound, and change of pain localization between the groups (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.023, respectively). Alvarado scores were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.001). In logistic model examination, the major factor was the Alvarado score (7 or above) and the minor factor was spreading pain. The Alvarado scoring system can be used to reduce negative appendectomy in patients who will undergo surgery with acute appendicitis.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy for delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis: analysis of a single-centre experience and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) has been used as a relatively safe and efficient temporising measure in the treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC) in high-risk patients with serious co-morbidity and in elderly patients. AIM: To assess the effectiveness, possible advantages, and complication of delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following PC in patients with AC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 52 LC for AC were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of patients who had PC followed by LC (PCLC group, n = 12), and the second group consisted of patients who had conservative treatment followed by LC (non-PCLC group, n = 40). Eight of these patients were males and four were female. The groups were statistically compared regarding their demographic, comorbidity, hospital stay, conservation, and complication rates. PC was performed via the transhepatic route under ultrasound guidance using local anaesthesia. RESULTS: Percutaneous cholecystostomy was technically successful in 12 patients with no attributable mortality or major complications. Upon the regression of cholecystitis and the decrease in APACHE-II scores, the PC catheter was unplugged and elective LC was scheduled for after 8 weeks. Ninety-two percent had complete resolution of symptoms within 48 h of intervention while 8% had partial resolution. All of the patients in PCLC and non-PCLC groups recovered well from cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that PCLC would not significantly improve the outcome of LC as assessed by conversion and morbidity rate and hospital stay compared with non-PCLC. Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a valid alternative for patients with acute cholecystitis. And our study shows that the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a good option in high-risk patients who have been treated by percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis.

Adjuvant versus neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in distal rectal cancer: Comparison of two decades in a single center.

OBJECTIVE: Standard surgery alone was not able to decrease local recurrence (LR) rate below 20% in rectal cancer treatment. Thus, many centers administered neoadjuvant radiotherapy (preopRTx) with or without concomitant chemotherapy for the prevention of LR. In this study, the results of 164 consecutive patients with mid- and distal rectal cancer who received surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Group A) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Group NA) followed by surgery are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The staging system used in this study is that of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), also known as the TNM system. Eligible patients were required to have radiologically assessed stage 1 (only T2N0M0) to stage 3C (T4bN1-2M0) tumor with pathologically confirmed R0 resection. The surgical method was total mesorectal excision (TME). Radiotherapy was applied with daily 180 cGy fractions for 28 consecutive days. Chemo-therapy comprised 5-fluorouracil (450 mg/m(2)/d) and leucovorin (20 mg/m(2)/d) bolus at days 1-5 and 29-33. RESULTS: Nine patients (13%) in Group NA achieved pathologic complete response (pCR). In Group NA and Group A, locoregional recurrence (LRR) rates were 6.7% and 30.8%, (p<0.001), the mean LR-free survival was 190.0±7.3 months and 148.0±11.7 months (p=0.002) and the mean overall survival (OS) was 119.2±15.3 months and 103.0±9.4 months (p=0.23), respectively. A significant difference with regard to LR has been obtained with a statistical power of 0.92. Secondary outcome measures (DFS and OS) have not been met. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with TME is an efficient treatment protocol, particularly for the treatment of magnetic resonance imaging-staged 2A to 3C patients with two or three distal rectal adenocarcinomas. Given that a considerable proportion of patients with cT2N0M0 would develop pCR, this method of treatment can be considered for further studies.

Comparison of the clinicopathological features of invasive ductal, invasive lobular, and mixed (invasive ductal + invasive lobular) carcinoma of the breast.

BACKGROUND: In this retrospective analysis, the clinicopathological features and pattern of metastatic spread of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and mixed ductal/lobular carcinoma (MDLC), together with the type and outcome of surgical intervention, were comparatively evaluated. METHODS: A total of 633 breast cancer patients with histopathological subtype IDC, ILC or MDLC were included in the study. The mean age was 52.6 ± 12.7 years. Follow-up period ranged between 0 and 33 (median 6.0) years. The groups were compared with respect to age, tumor size, nodal involvement, stage, hormonal therapy, multicentricity, multifocality, bilaterality, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/neu, p53, and Ki67 expression, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, and surgical approach. RESULTS: The distribution of patients was as follows: IDC 508 (80.3 %), ILC 78 (12.3 %), MDLC 47 (7.4 %). Among the parameters evaluated, statistically significant differences were observed in mean tumor size (IDC 2.5 ± 1.98 cm, ILC 3.0 ± 1.8 cm, MDLC 3.2 ± 2.4 cm), advanced T stage (T3 + T4) at diagnosis (IDC 14.7 %, ILC 21.4 %, MDLC 25.6 %), N stage (N0 was dominant in IDC and ILC; N3 was dominant in MDLC), tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (stage II was dominant in IDC and ILC; stage III was dominant in MDLC), HER2/neu expression (IDC 23.8 %, ILC 11.8 %, MDLC 21.4 %), and frequency of bone metastasis (IDC 14.3 %, ILC 17.9 %, MDLC 25.5 %). CONCLUSIONS: MDLC-type tumors have different histopathological characteristics and are often diagnosed at advanced stage. However, their survival outcomes do not vary significantly from ILC and IDC.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa of upper oesophagus: evaluation of 12 cases during gastroscopic examination.

INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal heterotopic gastric mucosa mostly presents in the upper part of the oesophagus. It is commonly under-diagnosed because of its localisation. AIM: To expose the association between heterotopic gastric mucosa and endoscopic features of the upper gastrointestinal tract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1860 upper endoscopic examinations performed between January 2012 and July 2013 were analysed retrospectively. Endoscopic features and histological examinations of 12 heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) of the upper oesophagus were documented and evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 7 (58%) male and 5 (42%) female patients aged between 22 and 80 years with a mean age of 43.2 years. Heterotopic gastric mucosa was present in 12 (0.6%) of all patients. We were able to perform biopsy for histopathological observation on 8 (66%) of the 12 patients in which HGM was seen during endoscopy. Five (42%) patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa had oesophagitis. Los Angeles Grade A oesophagitis was found in all patients, and histologically proven Barrett's oesophagus was detected in only one patient. CONCLUSIONS: When a patient has ongoing dyspeptic complaints and reflux symptoms despite the treatment, one should be careful about possible HGM during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The point to be taken into consideration for patients who have metaplasia or dysplasia within HGM may need to be considered for surveillance.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the colon: a case report.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare cause of nonobstructive colonic masses, which is often disregarded. Plasmacytoma is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells; when systemic involvement occurs, the disease is named multiple myeloma. Extramedullary plasmacytomas comprise 4% of all plasma cell tumours and occur mainly in the upper respiratory tract; gastrointestinal system involvement is rare. In this case we describe a rare cause of gastrointestinal system mass: extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the left colon.

Management of rectal foreign bodies.

BACKGROUND: Entrapped anorectal foreign bodies are being encountered more frequently in clinical practice. Although entrapped foreign bodies are most often related to sexual behavior, they can also result from ingestion or sexual assault. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2009, 15 patients with foreign bodies in the rectum were diagnosed and treated, at Izmir Training and Research Hospital, in Izmir. Information regarding the foreign body, clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes were documented. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of these unusual patients. RESULTS: All patients were males, and their mean age was 48 years (range, 33-68 years). The objects in the rectum of these 15 patients were an impulse body spray can (4 patients), a bottle (4 patients), a dildo (2 patient), an eggplant (1 patient), a brush (1 patient), a tea glass (1 patient), a ball point pen (1 patient) and a wishbone (1 patient, after oral ingestion). Twelve objects were removed transanally by anal dilatation under general anesthesia. Three patients required laparotomy. Routine rectosigmoidoscopic examination was performed after removal. One patient had perforation of the rectosigmoid and 4 had lacerations of the mucosa. None of the patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign bodies in the rectum should be managed in a well-organized manner. The diagnosis is confirmed by plain abdominal radiographs and rectal examination. Manual extraction without anaesthesia is only possible for very low-lying objects. Patients with high- lying foreign bodies generally require general anaesthesia to achieve complete relaxation of the anal sphincters to facilitate extraction. Open surgery should be reserved only for patients with perforation, peritonitis, or impaction of the foreign body.

Intestinal Necrosis due to Giant Ovarian Cyst: A Case Report.

Intestinal pathologies due to ovarian cyst are observed rarely. Although a limited number of cases in neonatal and adolescent periods have been observed, no adult case has been reported in the literature. Two mechanisms are involved in intestinal complications due to ovarian cysts: torsion due to adhesion or compression of giant ovarian mass with a diameter of 9-10 cm. We report here a terminal ileum necrosis case due to compression by an ovarian cyst with 11 × 10 × 7 cm size in an 81-year-old woman.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: predictors of axillary and non-sentinel lymph node involvement.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a standard method for the evaluation of axillary status in patients with T1-2N0M0 breast cancers. AIMS: To determine the prognostic significance of primary tumour-related clinico-histopathological factors on axillary and non-sentinel lymph node involvement of patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: In the present study, 157 sentinel lymph node biopsies were performed in 151 consecutive patients with early stage breast cancer between June 2008 and December 2011. RESULTS: Successful lymphatic mapping was obtained in 157 of 158 procedures (99.4%). The incidence of larger tumour size (2.543±1.21 vs. 1.974±1.04), lymphatic vessel invasion (70.6% vs. 29.4%), blood vessel invasion (84.2% vs. 15.8%), and invasive lobular carcinoma subtype (72.7% vs. 27.3%) were statistically significantly higher in patients with positive SLNs. Logistic stepwise regression analysis disclosed tumour size (odds ratio: 1.51, p=0.0021) and lymphatic vessel invasion (odds ratio: 4.68, p=0.001) as significant primary tumour-related prognostic determinants of SLN metastasis. CONCLUSION: A close relationship was identified between tumour size and lymphatic vessel invasion of the primary tumour and axillary lymph node involvement. However, the positive predictive value of these two independent variables is low and there is no compelling evidence to recommend their use in routine clinical practice.