Approach to the Porta Hepatis During Cytoreductive Surgery: Technical Considerations.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis has until recently been considered uniformly fatal; it results in intestinal obstructions, eventually leading progression of disease and death. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy have become important options for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Completeness of cytoreduction is a major determinant of survival. Frequently, the porta hepatis and the lesser sac are massively involved by tumor. Encasement of portal triad, lesser omentum, retrohepatic vena cava, duodenum, and stomach is frequently seen. The proximity to major portal structures as well as the retrohepatic vena cava makes this dissection challenging. This is the area where meticulous surgical technique and expertise are necessary to obtain complete removal of tumor. Some specific technical considerations are important to assure that all tumor is safely removed.

Extensive surgical history prior to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin.

BACKGROUND: Patients with PMCA commonly undergo surgery before CRS/HIPEC. We evaluated the role of extensive surgical treatment before CRS/HIPEC in terms of overall survival (OS). METHODS: 105 patients with PMCA who underwent a CRS/HIPEC procedure were identified from a prospective database. Patients were divided into two groups based on Prior Surgery Score (PSS): PSS ≤ 1 limited surgery group (LSG), PSS >1 extensive surgery group (ESG). Survival of lymph node (LN) negative and positive patients was analyzed separately. RESULTS: 40 patients were in LSG and 65 in ESG. Mean time from diagnosis to CRS/HIPEC was 6 and 17 months for LSG and ESG, respectively (p = 0.004). Groups were well balanced in peritoneal cancer index, complete cytoreduction rate, and LN status. One, 3, and 5-year OS among LN negative patients was 95, 83, and 75% for the LSG (n = 22) group and 87, 55, and 32% for the ESG (n = 35), group respectively (p = 0.026). One, 3, and 5-year OS among LN positive patients was 69, 50, and 17% for the LSG (n = 18) group and 80, 21, and 14% for the ESG (n = 30), group respectively (p = 0.613). For all patients 1, 3, and 5-year OS was 84, 65, and 54% for the LSG (n = 40) group and 86, 43, and 26% for the ESG (n = 65) group, respectively (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Extensive surgical treatment before CRS/HIPEC is associated with delay of CRS/HIPEC and poorer OS overall, especially among LN negative patients. We recommend early referral of PMCA patients to a peritoneal surface malignancy center.

Systemic chemotherapy (SC) before cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) in patients with peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis of appendiceal origin (PMCA).

BACKGROUND: The role of SC before CRS/HIPEC for patients with PMCA is unclear. This study explores the effect of SC prior to CRS/HIPEC on overall survival (OS) in patients with PMCA. METHODS: 72 patients with recently diagnosed PMCA who underwent CRS/HIPEC were identified from a prospective database. Thirty patients had SC before CRS/HIPEC (Group 1) and 42 did not (Group 2). Patients who were referred to our center after multiple lines of SC were excluded from this analysis. OS was estimated. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 3.2 years. Groups were similar regarding lymph node positivity, postoperative SC and rate of complete cytoreduction. Twenty-four (80%) patients in Group 1 and 21 (50%) in Group 2 had high grade histology (HG) (p = 0.01). OS from CRS/HIPEC at 1, 2, and 3 years was 93, 68, 51% in Group 1 and 82, 64, 60% in Group 2, respectively (p = 0.74). Among HG patients 3-year survival was 36% in the SC group vs. 35% in the group without SC (p = 0.67). The 3-year OS for patients with low grade (LG) tumors was 100% in the SC group vs. 79% in the group with no prior SC (p = 0.26). Among patients with signet ring cell (SRC) histology, 1, 2 and 3-year survival was 94, 67 and 22% in the SC group vs. 43, 14, 14% in the group with no SC, respectively (p = 0.028). There were only 6 patients with LG PMCA who received prior SC. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative SC could improve the prognosis of patients with high-grade PMCA with SRC histology.

Multicentre study of the learning curve and surgical performance of cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei.

BACKGROUND: The learning curves for cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal chemotherapy for treatment of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) were explored between international centres/surgeons to identify institutional or other factors that might affect performance. METHODS: Data from patients with PMP treated with the combined procedure across 33 international centres between 1993 and 2012 were analysed retrospectively. A risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test was conducted after defining the target outcome as early oncological failure (disease progression within 2 years of treatment), an acceptable risk for the target outcome (odds ratio) of 2, and type I/II error rates of 5 per cent. The risk prediction model was elaborated and patients were evaluated sequentially for each centre/surgeon. The learning curve was considered to be overcome and proficiency achieved when the odds ratio for early oncological failure became smaller than 2. RESULTS: Rates of optimal cytoreduction, severe postoperative morbidity and early oncological failure were 84·4, 25·7 and 29·0 per cent respectively. The median annual centre volume was 17 (range 6-66) peritoneal malignancies. Only eight of the 33 centres and six of 47 surgeons achieved proficiency after a median of 100 (range 78-284) and 96 (86-284) procedures respectively. The most important institutional factor affecting surgical performance was centre volume. CONCLUSION: The learning curve is extremely long, so centralization and/or networking of centres is necessary to assure quality of services. One centre for every 10-15 million inhabitants would be ideal.

Consensus guidelines from The American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies on standardizing the delivery of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in colorectal cancer patients in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ASPSM) is a consortium of cancer centers performing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This is a position paper from the ASPSM on the standardization of the delivery of HIPEC. METHODS: A survey was conducted of all cancer centers performing HIPEC in the United States. We attempted to obtain consensus by the modified method of Delphi on seven key HIPEC parameters: (1) method, (2) inflow temperature, (3) perfusate volume, (4) drug, (5) dosage, (6) timing of drug delivery, and (7) total perfusion time. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Response rates for ASPSM members (n = 45) and non-ASPSM members (n = 24) were 89 and 33 %, respectively. Of the responders from ASPSM members, 95 % agreed with implementing the proposal. Majority of the surgical oncologists favored the closed method of delivery with a standardized dual dose of mitomycin for a 90-min chemoperfusion for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin. CONCLUSIONS: This recommendation on a standardized delivery of HIPEC in patients with colorectal cancer represents an important first step in enhancing research in this field. Studies directed at maximizing the efficacy of each of the seven key elements will need to follow.

The role of VEGFR-2 expression in outcomes and survival of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a prognostic factor and target treatment for metastatic colorectal and ovarian cancer. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has improved survival on peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from appendiceal cancer. We hypothesize that tumoral high expression of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) is a negative prognostic factor for survival in patients with PC from appendiceal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study of a prospective database revealed 89 patients with PC from appendiceal cancer who underwent 127 CRS/HIPECs. Surgical specimens from 59 patients were tested to identify high vs. low VEGFR-2 expression. Patient outcomes and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 26 males and 33 females. Mean age was 51 years. Forty-seven VEGFR-2 high expressers and 15 low expressers were identified. Mean follow-up of high and low expressers was 25.1 and 26.6 months, respectively (p = 0.806). At follow-up, 33 (70%) high expressers were alive and 14 (30%) deceased, while 11 (92%) low expressers were alive and 1 (8%) deceased. Recurrence, use of bevacizumab, CC score, PCI, and LN status showed no differences between high and low expressers. OS for high expressers was 90.5%, 59.8%, and 47.1% at 1-, 3-, and 5-years, respectively, while OS for low expressers remained stable at 91.7% at 1-, 3-, and 5-years (p = 0.133). CONCLUSION: There is a trend towards better outcomes and survival in patients with PC from appendiceal cancer who have low expression of VEGFR-2 compared to high expression. More studies are encouraged to confirm this trend.

Repeated cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer: analysis of survival outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS)/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the procedure of choice in patients with peritoneal dissemination from appendiceal cancer. Although recurrence rates are 26%-44% after first CRS/HIPEC, the role of repeated CRS/HIPEC has not been well defined. We hypothesize that patients undergoing multiple CRS/HIPEC's have meaningful long term survival. METHODS: A retrospective study of a prospective database of 294 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) was conducted, of these 162 had PC of appendiceal origin. Twenty-six of these patients underwent 56 CRS/HIPEC. Survival and outcomes was analyzed. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with pre-surgical PCI scores ≥ 20 for the first, second, and third CRS/HIPEC was 65, 65, and 25%, respectively. Complete cytoreduction (CC 0-1) at first, second, and, third surgeries was 96, 65 and 75%, respectively. The mean operating time was 10.1 h. There was no 30-day peri-operative mortality. Following the first, second, and third CRS/HIPEC 27, 42, and 50% experienced grade III complications, respectively. Mean follow up was 51, 28, and 16 months from the first, second, and third CRS/HIPEC, respectively. Overall survival rate for the first CRS/HIPEC was 100, 83, 54, and 46% at years 1, 3, 5 and 10, respectively; from the second CRS/HIPEC 91, 53, and 34% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively; and from the third CRS/HIPEC was 75% at one year. CONCLUSION: Repeat CRS/HIPEC can lead to meaningful long term survival rates in patients with appendiceal peritoneal carcinomatosis with morbidity and mortality similar to those of the initial CRS/HIPEC.

Hydrocarbon biomarkers responses in the bivalve, Tivela mactroides, exposed to polluted sediments.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential use of the bivalve Tivela mactroides, as a Caribbean sentinel species. Organisms were collected from a relatively clean sandy beach, and were exposed to a gradient of petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted sediments for periods of 3, 4 and 6 days, after which their activity levels of biotransformation enzymes were measured. NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, glutathione transferase and cytochrome b5 activities increased according to total hydrocarbon concentration, whereas NADH-cytochrome ferricyanide reductase activity decreased. Catalase activity was constant while superoxide dismutase activity was inhibited. The results indicated that T. mactroides may serve as a sentinel species. However, further studies are recommended on the influence of biotic and abiotic variables on basal activities of enzymes, and their responses to other pollutants.

Accuracy and clinical relevance of computed tomography scan interpretation of peritoneal cancer index in colorectal cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis: a multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of peritoneal metastases by computed tomography (CT) scans is challenging and has been reported to be inaccurate. METHODS: A multi-institutional prospective observational registry study of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer was conducted and a subset analysis was performed to examine peritoneal cancer index (PCI) based on CT and intraoperative exploration. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (mean age 52.6 ± 12.4 years) from 16 institutions were included in this study. Inaccuracies of CT-based assessment of lesion sizes were observed in the RUQ (P = 0.004), LLQ (P < 0.0005), RLQ (P = 0.003), distal jejunum (P = 0.004), and distal ileum (P < 0.0005). When CT-PCI was classified based on the extent of carcinomatosis, 17 cases (33%) were underestimations, of which, 11 cases (21%) were upstaged from low to moderate, 4 cases (8%) were upstaged from low to severe, and 2 cases (4%) were upstaged from moderate to severe. Relevant clinical discordance where an upstage occurred to severe carcinomatosis constituted a true inaccuracy and was observed in six cases (12%). CONCLUSIONS: The actual clinical impact of inaccuracies of CT-PCI was modest. CT-PCI will remain as a mandatory imaging tool and may be supplemented with other tools including positron emission tomography scan or diagnostic laparoscopy, in the patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Clinical utility of elevated tumor markers in patients with disseminated appendiceal malignancies treated by cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal malignancies with peritoneal spread have been successfully treated with Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The aim of this study is to clarify the utility of common tumor markers in selecting patients for the combined treatment. METHODS: Data on 56 patients with appendiceal neoplasms treated with CRS and HIPEC were prospectively collected. Chi square test was used to analyze a link between common tumor markers and completeness of cytoreduction score (CC score) and preoperative peritoneal cancer index score (PCI score). Cox proportional hazard model was used to perform survival analysis. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were alive after 3 years of follow-up. Hazard ratio of disease related death was 5.6 (95% CI, 1.8-17.2) among patients with high CC score as compared to those with low CC score. Number of abnormal tumor markers (0 vs 1/2/3) correlated with PCI score 16.2 vs 32.5 (p < 0.001) but not with completeness of cytoreduction or survival. The 3-year survival rates in patients with normal vs abnormal CA 125 levels were 83% vs 52%(p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple abnormal tumor markers were not useful as an exclusion criterion for patients undergoing CRS. Elevation in CA 125 was an important indicator of survival in these patients. Complete cytoreduction was crucial for long-term survival.

Lung cancer screening with low-dose spiral computed tomography.

Computed tomography (CT) has been compared to plain radiographs and bronchial washings as a screening tool for lung cancer. In comparison with other screening modalities, CT allows detection of lung lesions at an earlier cancer stage. Technologic improvements have decreased imaging costs, thus making chest CT a more feasible option as a screening tool in the community hospital. In this study, smokers over the age of 45 years with a greater than 20 pack-year smoking history were referred for screening chest CT. Noncalcified nodules larger than 10 mm underwent CT-guided biopsy, and smaller nodules underwent follow-up CT in 3 months. Currently, patients have been followed for 4 years. The prevalence, stage, and histology of lung cancer were compared to study results from academic centers. Eighty-seven patients underwent screening chest CT. The study population was 51 per cent male with a mean age of 64 +/- 9 years. Four (3 female and 1 male) patients were biopsied and found to have lung cancer giving a prevalence of 5 per cent. Stage IA disease was found in three patients and stage IIIA disease was found in one patient. Adenocarcinoma was present in two patients, adeno-squamous carcinoma in one patient, and squamous cell carcinoma in one patient. The stage and histology of lung carcinomas in this study were comparable to studies performed at larger institutions. However, the disease prevalence was almost double the highest prevalence found in other studies. This discrepancy could be related to study size, as the patient populations were similar. Clearly, screening chest CT in the community setting is equally efficacious in the diagnosis of lung cancer at earlier stages. Following these patients beyond the 5-year mark will give some insight on the effect of screening chest CT on the mortality of lung cancer.

Efficacy of computerized infrared imaging analysis to evaluate mammographically suspicious lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a dynamic computerized infrared imaging system for distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions in patients undergoing biopsy on the basis of mammographic findings. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A 4-year clinical trial was conducted at five institutions using infrared imaging of patients for whom breast biopsy had been recommended. The data from a blinded subject set were obtained in 769 subjects with 875 biopsied lesions resulting in 187 malignant and 688 benign findings. The infrared technique records a series of sequential images that provides an assessment of the infrared information in a mammographically identified area. The suspicious area is localized on the infrared image by the radiologist using mammograms, and an index of suspicion is determined, yielding a negative or positive result. RESULTS: In the 875 biopsied lesions, the index of suspicion resulted in a 97% sensitivity, a 14% specificity, a 95% negative predictive value, and a 24% positive predictive value. Lesions that were assessed as false-negative by infrared analysis were microcalcifications, so an additional analysis was performed in a subset excluding lesions described only as microcalcification. In this restricted subset of 448 subjects with 479 lesions and 110 malignancies, the index of suspicion resulted in a 99% sensitivity, an 18% specificity, a 99% negative predictive value, and a 27% positive predictive value. Analysis of infrared imaging performance in all 875 biopsied lesions revealed that specificity was statistically improved in dense breast tissue compared with fatty breast tissue. CONCLUSION: Infrared imaging offers a safe noninvasive procedure that would be valuable as an adjunct to mammography in determining whether a lesion is benign or malignant.

Bleeding hepatic adenoma: expectant treatment to limit the extent of liver resection.

Hepatic adenomas (HAs) are benign but can present as an acute surgical emergency. The relationship between HA and oral contraceptives (OCs) has been well documented and there have been several reports of tumor regression after the withdrawal of hormonal agents. However, not all HAs regress in this manner; have been reported to remain stable, increase in size, hemorrhage, or rarely, undergo malignant transformation. Given the unpredictable nature of these lesions they are generally treated surgically. In July 1995 a patient with a 6-year history of OC use was admitted with a history of sudden-onset right upper quadrant abdominal pain of 2 days' duration. The clinical picture and imaging studies led to the diagnosis of a bleeding hepatic adenoma without rupture. She was treated expectantly for a period of 14 months before surgery. This allowed the tumor to significantly decrease in size and thus limit the extent of resection. If the patient presented in this case had undergone surgery at the time of initial diagnosis a right hepatic lobectomy as opposed to a wedge resection would have been required. Treating this patient expectantly significantly decreased the potential morbidity associated with a larger resection.

Hepatic resection at a community hospital.

Hepatic resection remains the "gold standard" in the primary management of primary and metastatic tumors to the liver. Advanced surgical techniques along with more modern and sophisticated equipment have led to an increasing number of hepatic resections being performed with a concomitant decrease in morbidity and mortality. We followed prospectively 18 consecutive hepatic resections performed over a period of approximately 2.5 years. The setting was a community teaching hospital with a low volume of referrals for hepatic resection. Sixteen (88%) had metastatic disease and two had primary liver disease. There were four trisegmentectomies, four lobectomies, four segmentectomies, and six large wedge re-sections. Average estimated blood loss was 608 ml. Seven patients required transfusions. Complications occurred in five patients (27%). In-hospital mortality was 0%. Our experience suggests that liver resections in a low-volume community hospital can be performed safely provided an experienced surgical team with familiarity of advanced surgical techniques and sophisticated equipment used in hepatic resection is readily available.

Practical guidelines for optimal gamma probe detection of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer: results of a multi-institutional study. For the University of Louisville Breast Cancer Study Group.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple radioactive lymph nodes are often removed during the course of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for breast cancer when both blue dye and radioactive colloid injection are used. Some of the less radioactive lymph nodes are second echelon nodes, not true SLNs. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether harvesting these less radioactive nodes, in addition to the "hottest" SLNs, reduces the false-negative rate. METHODS: Patients were enrolled in this multicenter (121 surgeons) prospective, institutional review board-approved study after informed consent was obtained. Patients with clinical stage T1-2, N0, M0 invasive breast cancer were eligible. This analysis includes all patients who underwent axillary SLN biopsy with the use of an injection of both isosulfan blue dye and radioactive colloid. The protocol specified that all blue nodes and all nodes with 10% or more of the ex vivo count of the hottest node should be removed and designated SLNs. All patients underwent completion level I/II axillary dissection. RESULTS: SLNs were identified in 672 of 758 patients (89%). Of the patients with SLNs identified, 403 patients (60%) had more than 1 SLN removed (mean, 1.96 SLN/patient) and 207 patients (31%) had nodal metastases. The use of filtered or unfiltered technetium sulfur colloid had no impact on the number of SLNs identified. Overall, 33% of histologically positive SLNs had no evidence of blue dye staining. Of those patients with multiple SLNs removed, histologically positive SLNs were found in 130 patients. In 15 of these 130 patients (11.5%), the hottest SLN was negative when a less radioactive node was positive for tumor. If only the hottest node had been removed, the false-negative rate would have been 13.0% versus 5.8% when all nodes with 10% or more of the ex vivo count of the hottest node were removed (P =.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the policy that all blue nodes and all nodes with 10% or more of the ex vivo count of the hottest SLN should be harvested for optimal nodal staging.

Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is essential in the management of metastatic colorectal liver lesions.

Metastatic tumors to the liver account for the majority of hepatic neoplasms. Improvement in resection has been shown to be beneficial and has remained the treatment of choice, carrying a 5-year survival rate of approximately 20 to 30 per cent. In evaluating candidates for surgery, intraoperative assessment for resectability is a key factor and dictates surgical approach, as well as patient prognosis. Historically, imaging techniques such as CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and CT arterial portography (CTAP) have been used in preoperative evaluation. However, the sensitivities of these diagnostic tools have been found to be less than optimal. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has emerged as an important tool in accurately staging metastatic liver disease with a sensitivity of 98 per cent. From 1994 to 1996, 23 patients have undergone IOUS for evaluation of suspected liver neoplasms in an ongoing prospective study. All patients had colorectal carcinoma. All patients received preoperative CT scan, and 11 patients with positive CT scans had CTAP. Fifteen patients were found to have colorectal metastasis to the liver. Surgical management in 7 of the 15 patients was modified because of the use of IOUS. Two patients were found to have unresectable disease thus abandoning hepatic resection, two were found to have additional lesions undetected by preoperative evaluation and were resected, and in two patients margins of resection were changed. One patient was found to have benign hepatic cysts, and no resection was performed. The use of IOUS modified the management of 44 per cent of our patients with liver metastases. IOUS should be routinely used in patients undergoing liver resection for metastatic liver disease.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer: a suitable alternative to routine axillary dissection in multi-institutional practice when optimal technique is used.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for nodal staging of patients with breast cancer. However, unacceptably high false-negative rates have been reported in several studies, raising doubt about the applicability of this technique in widespread surgical practice. Controversy persists regarding the optimal technique for correctly identifying the SLN. Some investigators advocate SLN biopsy using injection of a vital blue dye, others recommend radioactive colloid, and still others recommend the use of both agents together. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 806 patients were enrolled by 99 surgeons. SLN biopsy was performed by single-agent (blue dye alone or radioactive colloid alone) or dual-agent injection at the discretion of the operating surgeon. All patients underwent attempted SLN biopsy followed by completion level I/II axillary lymph node dissection to determine the false-negative rate. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (86% v 90%) in the SLN identification rate among patients who underwent single- versus dual-agent injection. The false-negative rates were 11.8% and 5.8% for single- versus dual-agent injection, respectively (P <.05). Dual-agent injection resulted in a greater mean number of SLNs identified per patient (2. 1 v 1.5; P <.0001). The SLN identification rate was significantly less for patients older than 50 years as compared with that of younger patients (87.6% v 92.6%; P =.03). Upper-outer quadrant tumor location was associated with an increased likelihood of a false-negative result compared with all other locations (11.2% v 3. 9%; P <.05). CONCLUSION: In multi-institutional practice, SLN biopsy using dual-agent injection provides optimal sensitivity for detection of nodal metastases. The acceptable SLN identification and false-negative rates associated with the dual-agent injection technique indicate that this procedure is a suitable alternative to routine axillary dissection across a wide spectrum of surgical practice and hospital environments.

Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy for breast cancer does not improve the ability to identify axillary sentinel lymph nodes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for breast cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Numerous studies have demonstrated that SLN biopsy can be used to stage axillary lymph nodes for breast cancer. SLN biopsy is performed using injection of radioactive colloid, blue dye, or both. When radioactive colloid is used, a preoperative lymphoscintigram (nuclear medicine scan) is often obtained to ease SLN identification. Whether a preoperative lymphoscintigram adds diagnostic accuracy to offset the additional time and cost required is not clear. METHODS: After informed consent was obtained, 805 patients were enrolled in the University of Louisville Breast Cancer Sentinel Lymph Node Study, a multiinstitutional study involving 99 surgeons. Patients with clinical stage T1-2, N0 breast cancer were eligible for the study. All patients underwent SLN biopsy, followed by level I/II axillary dissection. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed at the discretion of the individual surgeon. Biopsy of nonaxillary SLNs was not required in the protocol. Chi-square analysis and analysis of variance were used for statistical comparison. RESULTS: Radioactive colloid injection was performed in 588 patients. In 560, peritumoral injection of isosulfan blue dye was also performed. A preoperative lymphoscintigram was obtained in 348 of the 588 patients (59%). The SLN was identified in 221 of 240 patients (92.1%) who did not undergo a preoperative lymphoscintigram, with a false-negative rate of 1.6%. In the 348 patients who underwent a preoperative lymphoscintigram, the SLN was identified in 310 (89.1%), with a false-negative rate of 8.7%. A mean of 2.2 and 2. 0 SLNs per patient were removed in the groups without and with a preoperative lymphoscintigram, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the SLN identification rate, false-negative rate, or number of SLNs removed when a preoperative lymphoscintigram was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy does not improve the ability to identify axillary SLN during surgery, nor does it decrease the false-negative rate. Routine preoperative lymphoscintigraphy is not necessary for the identification of axillary SLNs in breast cancer.

Sarcoidosis of the breast: implications for the general surgeon.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease that may involve the breast parenchyma and can be confused with benign or malignant tumors. A recent case of sarcoidosis of the breast treated in our institution prompted us to review the world literature on the topic. From 1921 to 1997, 45 cases relating to sarcoidosis of the breast were reported; 10 of these cases were excluded from our review because of the lack of histological proof of sarcoidosis. The data were organized according to clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, treatment plan, and follow-up care. The mean age at presentation was 47 years (range 20-72 years) and all patients were female. Seven patients (20%) had a breast mass as primary presentation of sarcoidosis without any clinical evidence of systemic sarcoidosis. Thirty-one patients (89%) presented with a self-detected mass and three patients (8%) demonstrated skin dimpling and peau d'orange appearance mimicking cancer. The size of the breast lesions ranged from 0.25 to 5 cm in diameter. One patient presented with bilateral breast lesions and one with more than one lesion in the same affected breast. A single breast mass was found in the rest of the patients. Of the seven patients evaluated by mammography, only one revealed changes suspicious for malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration was used only in four cases; the results of two were compatible with sarcoidosis and two required an excisional biopsy as a result of inconclusive results. Seventeen cases reported excisional biopsy as the diagnostic procedure. In 11 patients the type of biopsy was not stated. In two cases of radical mastectomies for breast adenocarcinoma, sarcoidosis was an incidental finding, either in the remaining breast tissue or in the axillary nodes. One patient underwent a partial mastectomy revealing sarcoidosis as the definitive diagnosis. Ultrasound was used in two cases; one revealed a suspicious lesion and one was inconclusive. Although sarcoidosis of the breast constitutes a rare entity it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast cancer even in patients without clinical evidence of systemic sarcoidosis. These patients should undergo a biopsy to rule out malignancy because clinical findings, mammography, and ultrasound results can be misleading or inconclusive.