ABSTRACT
Lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in vulvar cancer. Histologically, sentinel nodes may be representative of the status of the other regional nodes. Identification and histopathologic evaluation of sentinel nodes could then have a significant impact on clinical management and surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node detection by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with technetium-99 m-labeled nanocolloid, followed by radioguided intraoperative detection. Nine patients with stage T1, N0, M0, and 11 patients with stage T2, N0, M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were included in the study. Only three cases had lesions exceeding 3.5 cm in diameter. Sentinel nodes were detected in 100% of cases. A total of 30 inguinofemoral lymphadenectomies were performed, with a mean of 10 surgically removed nodes. Histological examination revealed 17 true negative sentinel nodes, 2 true positive, and 1 false negative. In our case series, sentinel lymph node detection had a 95% diagnostic accuracy, with only one false negative. Based on literature evidence, the sentinel node procedure is feasible and reliable in vulvar cancer; however, the value of sentinel node dissection in the treatment of early-stage vulvar cancer still needs to be confirmed.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Lymphatic Metastasis/diagnostic imaging , Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy/methods , Vulvar Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Colloids , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Nanostructures , Neoplasm Staging , Prognosis , Radionuclide Imaging , Sensitivity and Specificity , TechnetiumABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To evaluate the pregnancy rate after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 47 infertile women undergoing laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. RESULTS: rAFS stage was as follows: 11% of patients had Stage I, 11% Stage II, 53.3% Stage III and 24.4% Stage IV. The mean duration of follow-up was 48.5 +/- 18.44 months. The overall pregnancy rate was 64.4%. Eighteen out of 26 women (69%) became pregnant within six months after laparoscopy, 23% at 12 months, 11% within 24 months, and 11% after two years (p < 0.01). Adnexal adhesions and tubal status significantly affected the pregnancy rate. No differences were found regarding the stage of disease and the presence of ovarian endometriomas. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis enhances fertility and the pregnancy rate is highest within the first six months after surgery. Adnexal adhesions and tubal conditions influence the reproductive outcome.
