Simple and effective sialography with modification of contrast injection.

BACKGROUND: In several cases, a person can have an abnormal mass in the outer mandible or under the tongue and is usually accompanied with the decrease of saliva. Early and accurate examination is needed to diagnose this case. In this case report, we present two cases of salivary glands defect. The aim of this article is to submit two cases to review the etiology, risk factors, clinical manifestation, and examination methods of sialadenitis using a modified contrast injector to the duct of salivary gland. CASE 1: A 17-year-old man came with a complaint of a lump under the right jaw. Sialography examination using a modified syringe with abbocath 24G showed an occlusion of the right and left Warton duct stoma. Right and left Bartholin's duct stoma occlusion post excision and marsupialization of the ranula. The complaint felt shrink after sialography. Three months follow-up, the patient said the lump was no longer felt and there were no complaints. CASE 2: A 19-year-old man came with a complaint of clear fluid coming out when eating on the surgical scar under the right side of the jaw. From the plain photo, it appears that there is a missing amputatum of the right mandibular symphysis, body, angle, ramus processus condylaris et coronoideus of the left mandible. Sialography examination using a modified syringe with abbocath 24G showed suggest a sialocutaneous fistula (cut of the right mandibular ramus region to Stensen's duct and submandibular). Then the patient underwent fistula excision. A month follow-up after the excision patient had no feeling of lump but sometimes 3-4 drops still came out. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Salivary tract injury is a quite rare case. Most frequent etiologies are iatrogenic. Sialography is a simple but effective method to identify obstruction of the salivary tract, including salivary tract injury. According to several studies, sialography identifies sialolithiasis with high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Sialography is a simple but effective method that is beneficial for the treatment and examination with high specificity and sensitivity to assess the possibility of obstruction of the salivary ducts.

Patients' Satisfaction After Breast Reconstruction Surgery Using Autologous versus Implants: A Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is a common disease that affects women globally and causes physical and emotional challenges. Breast reconstructive surgery aims to restore the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. Two common approaches used today are tissue-based or autologous and implant-based reconstruction. Autologous breast reconstruction has the advantage of being more affordable, but the resulting shape is less attractive. At the same time, the implant technique produces a more pleasing shape at a more expensive cost. OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of patients' satisfaction after breast reconstruction using the implant technique with the autologous technique using the Breast-Q questionnaire. METHODS: This research was a meta-analytic study to compare patients' satisfaction levels with breast reconstruction using the autologous technique compared with the implant technique. We searched several research articles from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from 2014 to 2023. Then, we conducted an analysis using Revman 5.4. The results of the study were presented in a forest plot diagram. RESULTS: From the search results, there were 3980 studies. Then, exclusion and inclusion were carried out, and the results obtained were 16 research articles. Of the 16 studies, analysis was then carried out, and the results obtained were satisfaction in breast patients with a sample size of 7284. The standard result of the mean difference was 0.55 (95% CI 0.41-0.68) p < 0.00001. Satisfaction with the reconstruction results with a sample size of 2935. The standard result of the mean difference was 0.48 (95% CI 0.28-0.69) p < 0.00001. Patients' sexual satisfaction with a sample size of 7149. The standard result of the mean difference was 0.27 (95% CI 0.17-0.37) p < 0.00001. Patients' satisfaction with nipple shapes with a sample of 426. The standard result of the mean difference was 0.22 (95% CI -0.00-0.44) p = 0.06. Patients' satisfaction with plastic surgeons with a sample size of 272. The standard result of the mean difference was 0.52 (95% CI 0.25-0.80) p= 0.0002. CONCLUSION: The autologous breast reconstruction technique is better than the implant-based reconstruction technique in terms of patient satisfaction with the breast, reconstruction outcome, sexual satisfaction, nipple shapes, and plastic surgeons based on the Breast-Q questionnaire. The findings of this comprehensive study indicate that breast cancer survivors who choose autologous reconstruction have higher levels of satisfaction across multiple domains than those who decide implant-based reconstruction.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after conservative subcapsular hepatic hematoma management: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a less invasive procedure to diagnose and treat biliary disease. However, it has a mortality rate of 0.43-1 %. ERCP has several complication that can arise, one of which is a subcapsular hepatic hematoma (SCH). Incidence of subcapsular hematoma is about 1 %. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case we reported a 33-years-old female complained of jaundice in the entire and right upper abdominal pain. She underwent ERCP and stent placement due to an obstruction in the biliary system. The day after ERCP, she has complained about persistent sharp pain on the upper abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound showed SCH. She then underwent laparoscopic diagnostic and showed the hematoma at the subcapsular of the right upper lobe. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Then it was decided to conservative therapy with an antibiotic and analgesics. Cholecystectomy was also performed to treat cholelithiasis. Patient discharge from hospital in three days after surgery with a good condition and no symptom about stomachache. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment is the goal while managing SCH in a good hemodynamic state. Once a hematoma has been identified, treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic should be started since the hematoma may turn into a secondary infection that requires invasive techniques and drainage.

Sociodemographic disparities associated with advanced stages and distant metastatic breast cancers at diagnosis in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The global health burden of breast cancer is increasing with 5-year survival rates being much shorter in low-income and middle-income countries. Sociodemographic and clinical disparities in early cancer detection affect long-term outcome. Methods: The authors compared social, demographic, and pathological characteristics associated with metastatic and late stages of breast cancer diagnosis using data collected from a special registry developed by Perhimpunan Bedah Onkologi Indonesia (PERABOI) in 2015. Results: Of 4959 patients recruited in this study, 995 women (20.1%) were diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Lower education status and living in rural areas were significantly associated with Stage IV at diagnosis [odds ratio (OR)=1.256, 95% CI=1.093-1.445, P=0.001; and OR=1.197, 95% CI=1.042-1.377, P=0.012; respectively). Main complaints other than lump (ulceration, breast pain, and discharge) and occupation as a housewife were also associated with the presentation of metastatic diseases (OR=2.598, 95% CI=2.538-3.448, P<0.001 and OR=1.264, 95% CI=1.056-1.567, P=0.030, respectively). Having lower education and living outside Java and Bali islands were associated with the diagnosis of late-stage breast cancers (OR=1.908, 95% CI=1.629-2.232, P<0.001 and OR=3.039, 95% CI=2.238-4.126, P<0.001; respectively). A higher proportion of breast cancer patients were relatively younger with bigger tumour size, positive axillary nodal involvement, and more frequent Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression. Conclusion: The authors identified sociodemographic disparities in the metastatic and late-stage diagnosis of breast cancers among Indonesian women. The subsequent action is required to reduce disparities faced by women with lower social and educational levels for early diagnosis and better healthcare access.

Reverse dorsoradial metacarpal artery flap for reconstruction of large finger skin defect: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Plastic reconstructive surgery for defects of hand still pose a challenge to plastic surgeons. The skin envelope of the hand is a complex structure that not only covers the underlying tissues but also includes particular functional and sensory components. The main principle of therapy is to provide adequate and long-lasting coverage to minimize surgery scars. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63 years old man was referred to our hospital from another facility with a soft tissue defect on his right index finger at the level of the interphalangeal joint. The injury occurred 4 hours prior when he was injured by a sickle while working in a rice field. The defect was measured 2 × 4 cm and the base was visible, exposing the underlying fascia with minimal contamination. The patient underwent treatment with a reverse dorsoradial metacarpal artery flap, which was elevated from the thumb. After one month, he returned to the hospital with complains of pain and drainage from the donor site over the past few days. Debridement was performed and the area was repaired with local anesthesia. Patient didn't complains about the functional impairment. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Compound defects of the hand need urgent surgical intervention and flap covering to prevent stiffness, improve the range of motion and facilitate early return to work. The reverse dorsoradial metacarpal artery flap is an excellent option for finger defects reconstruction. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the reverse dorsoradial metacarpal artery flap is a viable flap for reconstructing finger defects.

Wisepatern mastopexy for natural breast ptosis symmetrization after giant lipoma excision: Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Giant breast lipoma is an uncommon benign tumor that develops in the breast parenchyma. Wisepatern technique involves lifting the skin in both vertical and horizontal directions to raise and reshape the breasts into a less ptotic shape. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old woman came to the Surgical Oncology Polyclinic with the breast size is asymmetric, the right is 4× larger than the left. The patient's request for a tumor removal procedure with a symmetrical approach on the right breast alone, we opted for a Wisepatern surgical technique. Residual skin tissue was discovered and de-epithelialization was performed to remove it, but it was not discarded and instead inserted into the breast cavity to create the effect of a mass filling empty areas left after tumor removal. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The Wisepatern technique is highly preferred due to its versatility, ease of execution, and ability to achieve consistent outcomes in mastopexy and breast reductions. It effectively addresses excess skin, avoids large dog-ears and longer scars, and allows for a more natural-looking appearance by utilizing a shortened vertical scar and partial subpectoral pocket for implant positioning. CONCLUSION: Mastopexy is a surgical procedure that can effectively treat giant breast lipoma by removing the lipoma and reshaping the breast tissue. However, it is important for patients to be fully informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure and to undergo appropriate follow-up to ensure a successful outcome.

Bilobed flap technique as alternative for patient with eccrine spiradenoma: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE OF CASE: Eccrine spiradenoma (ES) is a rare benign skin adnexal tumor. ES resembles many other dermal lesions and is commonly found at the face. Hence, proper diagnosis and treatment with aesthetic considerations are needed. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we reported a case of a 47 years old male who came with a mole-like mass on the lower side of the left eye socket. The histopathological examination showed small basaloid cells surrounding the larger, paler epithelial cells, a characteristic feature of spiradenoma. The surgery was then performed using bilobed flap technique, considering that the pathological mass was oval-shaped. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Bilobed flap technique preserves skin color and texture, providing excellent tissue match and minimizes donor site complication. This technique distributes skin tension along a wider, curved area of the site. CONCLUSION: Bilobed flap technique can be used in round or oval-shaped facial tumor such as ES.

Breast Conserving Surgery is Better for Sexual Satisfaction Compared to a Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the difference between the level of sexual satisfaction in breast cancer patients with Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) and Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS). METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional study using a validated Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. This study was conducted from 2020 until 2021. Data were collected and analyzed using the chi-square test for bivariate variables and logistic regression for multivariate variables. RESULTS: Patients with BCS were more satisfied with their sexual activity than patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (p = 0.0001, OR 6.25, CI = 2.78 - 14.01). Other factors having effect on sexual satisfactions were: age that showed a statistically effect on sexual satisfaction (patients <55 years were more satisfied than patients ≥55 years ( p = 0.004, OR = 3.23, CI 1.44 - 7.22), the period after operation (<5 years vs >5 years) showed a statistically significant difference in sexual satisfaction ( p = 0.087, OR=0.53, CI = 0.25-1.10), Having chemotherapy treatment showed statistically significant risk for sexual satisfaction (p = 0.003, OR=7.39, CI= 1.62-33.83). Factors having no statistically significant effect on sexual satisfactions were: Radiotherapy treatment (p = 0.133, OR=1.75 and CI = 0.84 -3.64), length of marriage as defined with <10 years and > 10 years (p = 0.616, OR=1.39 and CI = 0.38-5.09), marital status (p = 0.082, OR =0.39, CI=0,13 - 1.16), educational status (p = 0.778, OR = 1.18, CI = 0.37 - 3.75), and work at home vs outside home (p = 0.117, OR=1.8, and CI = 0.86 - 3.78). CONCLUSION: BCS as surgical therapy option is the most dominant factor related to sexual satisfaction followed by age group, and chemotherapy group.

Delayed primary intention with full-thickness skin graft in distal interphalangeal injury: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The fingertip injury is the most common in the hand area. In this regard, skin grafting can be considered to preserve sensation, due to its functional importance, particularly for distal tip injuries. A full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) results in excellent function after engraftment and should be considered in reconstructing functionally and aesthetically important areas. Moreover, a thorough understanding of FTSG is required for a surgeon to have an excellent outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old man had the third fingertip injury of his right hand after being crushed by a mill. Physical examination revealed exposed bone distal to DIP, with intact periosteum and nail plate, negative active bleeding, and negative contaminants. There was no tendon or soft tissue left above the periosteum. In addition, an X-ray of the right manus revealed no fracture. The wound was applied with hydrogel and petroleum gauze to maintain hydration. A wound toilet was performed, followed by the closure of the wound with full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG). Follow-up was done in the first week and the fourth week after the procedure, as they showed good aesthetic results with satisfactory function. The sensory recovery showed normal result for touch and vibration. Meanwhile, sharp pain and warmth object sensation were minimally diminished. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A literature review concludes that FTSGs are generally unreliable in cases with over poorly vascularized beds, and FTSG will only work with no serious blood supply issues. Therefore, severe fingertip injury was reconstructed by the graft. CONCLUSION: This procedure showed excellent graft survival with no additional surgical injury of the normal finger, satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes, and no need for secondary debulking procedures. Potential disadvantages consisted of insufficient volume of soft tissue and graft hyperpigmentation. However, delayed primary wound closure by FTSG may be an option for treating full-thickness finger defects with bone or tendon exposure.

Ethanol ablation for management of large cyst hygroma colli in adult: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cystic hygroma in adult is a rare condition that is typically treated with surgery, but in some cases, the cyst may be difficult to completely remove, leading to the potential of recurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we describe the use of ethanol ablation as an alternative treatment for a rapidly growing cystic hygroma in an adult patient. The patient had a lump on her neck for 2 years that had been slowly growing. The cyst was drained and filled with ethanol, and a drain was left in place for 24 h. Follow-up evaluations showed no evidence of the lump, no pain, and no discharge after 6 months. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Cystic hygroma typically affects young children, but it can also occur in adults. It presents as a painless, progressive mass that is soft, fluctuant, and not tender. It is often located in the neck, axilla, or mediastinum, and can also rarely occur in the groin or retroperitoneal spaces. Surgical excision is the primary treatment, but alternatives such as laser surgery, cryotherapy, electrocautery, steroid administration, sclerotherapy, embolization, and radiation therapy have also been used. In this case report, ethanol ablation was used as a sclerosing agent and was successful in treating the patient's cystic hygroma. CONCLUSION: Ethanol ablation with instillation may be an effective and efficient treatment option for adult single lobe cysts of hygroma colli, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodule treatment: New solution in our center.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Thyroid nodules are one of the most common thyroid disorders and are estimated at 4-7 % in the general population. Although it is estimated that 95 % of thyroid nodules are benign and only 4.0-6.5 % malignant, a combined assessment of clinical data, ultrasound imaging, and FNAB is needed to estimate the risk of malignancy. Several minimally invasive nonsurgical modalities have been developed to treat thyroid nodules, including ethanol ablation (EA), laser ablation (LA), microwave ablation (MWA), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Since 2006, this method had been used to treat thyroid nodules and reported to have good efficacy and safety for treating benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancer. This paper aims to provide the efficacy and safety of the RFA procedure in benign thyroid lesions. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Here we report 34 cases of patients with thyroid nodules who underwent RFA procedures. After the procedure, patients were followed up in the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months. The ratio of decreasing volume in the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months was as follows 81.6 %; 76.89 %; 63.48 %, 60.11 %. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Factors that are thought to predict RFA response include small volume nodule (<12 ml), the presence of a fluid component and well-defined margins, the absence of vascularization, and nonfunctioning status. However, RFA has several limitations, including the procedure that is highly operator dependent to maximize its efficacy, the possibility of persistent lesions, and the lack of a final histological diagnosis that does not completely exclude aggressive histological variants. CONCLUSION: The RFA procedure has minimal side effects, is highly effective, and is short in procedure time.

Radiofrequency ablation for management of thyroid nodules in quarantine zone of COVID-19 pandemic setting in Indonesia.

Surgery using minimally invasive procedures has been continuously developing in the medical field including in the treatment and resection of thyroid tumors. In addition to open thyroid surgery, several types of procedures are well developed and adopted in our center including the endoscopic thyroid and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially changed the healthcare system in Indonesia. Lack of oxygen and hospital wards, unaffordable screening tests, and limited health workers affect the perpetuation of non-emergency healthcare service including in the management of thyroid nodules. To preserve the resources needed during the pandemic, PFA for the thyroid procedure provides a better option in terms of hospital bed availability, healthcare cost, and patients' emotional distress. We safely conducted RFA procedures during the period of quarantine levels of 1-3 (low to high) by implementing COVID-19 protocols without any significant postoperative complications.

An isolated brachiocephalic artery rupture on penetrating trauma in a 9-year-Old child - A case report.

Introduction and Importance: A stab or penetrating wound is one of the etiologies of chest trauma. In the case of penetrating chest trauma, assessment of probable major vascular injuries must be done. Thoracic, vascular injuries, in particular brachiocephalic rupture, require the surgeon to make swift decisions for repair as the wrong approach or incision could quickly lead to mortality. Case presentation: Here, we report a case of a hemodynamically stable 9-year-old boy presenting with a stab wound by a fishing arrow. CT scan showed the fishing arrow projection at the suprasternal notch extended to the right hemithorax where the tip was near the brachiocephalic artery posterior wall. A sternotomy exploration and preservation of the proximal brachiocephalic artery, subclavian artery, and common carotid artery was done. We found a 0.5 cm rupture on the brachiocephalic truncus and performed a direct suture repair. Discussion: Through this case, we present a vascular technique repair after the major thoracic artery rupture caused by a stab or penetrating wound. The principle of artery repair is to save the proximal and distal end of the ruptured artery, followed by a further safe and precise procedure. Conclusion: The overall combination of approaches of chest trauma by a penetrating wound and vascular injury like brachiocephalic rupture without pseudoaneurysm or other asymptomatic high risks of vascular injury resulted in a satisfactory evaluation. In this case, leaving the arrow undisturbed is the key to the success of the first aid management before the patient is sent to the operating room.

Video-Assisted Breast Surgery (VABS) and Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) for Fibroadenoma Mammae on Patients' Satisfaction: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the patients' satisfaction level after fibroadenoma surgery with Video-Assisted Breast Surgery (VABS) and Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) techniques. METHODS: Patients who underwent VABS or VABB for a diagnosis of fibroadenoma mammae at the Oncology Clinic in Solo, Indonesia were included in this study. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from medical records. Direct or telephone interviews were performed and the patients were asked to complete Universitas Sebelas Maret Breast Satisfaction Questionnaire 8 (UNS-BsQ8) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total sample of 16 patients with VABS and 26 patients with VABB were recruited. All the patients were confirmed to have fibroadenoma based on the pathological result. The mean total scores for VABS and VABB were 34.50 ± 2.094 and 31.57 ± 3.081, respectively (P= 0.137). Out of 8 questions, only 3 items had statistically significant differences. VABS had higher mean score than VABB in terms of surgery cost (P = 0.002), pain in surgery site (P = 0.006), and pain in shoulder (P =  0.013). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in terms of overall patients' satisfaction level between both groups. However, VABS had a higher mean score than VABB in terms of cost and pain.

Axial flap for giant basal cell carcinoma of the anterior chest wall: Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Anterior chest wall Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma (GBCC) is rare amongst GBCC cases and results in a large defect that is challenging to resect and reconstruct. It requires multidisciplinary approach to prevent recurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old man with giant basal cell carcinoma at the anterior chest wall measuring 10 × 6 cm. Wide resection of 1 cm margin with axial flap was performed to close the defect. The follow-up report stated that the patient was satisfied with the result and there was no recurrence observed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Review of literatures concludes that GBCC is excised with a minimum of 4-6 mm margin outside the tumor area. The axial IMAP flap is ideal to close the upper chest wall defect because of the better aesthetic outcome compared to other conventional flaps, especially in stable elderly male, patients with noninfected wound. Increased skin laxity and more relaxed skin tension associated with aging allows easier tissue mobilization and transfer to close the defect. CONCLUSION: Axial flap for GBCC in anterior chest wall is ideal, safe, and has the advantage of aesthetic reasons of suitable skin tone, particularly for stable elderly male patients.

Chemotherapy Negates the Effect of SDF1 mRNA to Distant Metastasis and Poor Overall Survival in Breast Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effect of SDF1a, nuclear, and cytoplasmic CXCR4 breast cancer tissue on metastasis and overall survival in patients with complete-chemotherapy and no-chemotherapy. METHODS: Cohort ambidirectional design was employed with survival analysis that followed the patient's diagnosis until obtaining the outcome, distant metastasis, or death. We analyzed samples in three groups (all-patient, no-chemotherapy, and complete-chemotherapy groups).  Breast cancer cell nuclear and cytoplasm expressions of CXCR4 protein were examined using immunohistochemistry. Amplification of mRNA SDF1a of breast cancer tissue was examined using rtPCR on 131 samples from the same initial paraffin block. RESULTS: In the distant metastasis and Overall Survival (OS) analysis, there was no correlation between cytoplasmic and nuclear CXCR4 in all-patient, no-chemotherapy, and complete-chemotherapy groups. SDF1a was significantly correlated to shorter distant metastasis and poor OS in the all-patient (p=0.004 and p=0.04, respectively) and no-chemotherapy group (p=0.008 and p=0.026, respectively). However, in the complete-chemotherapy group, SDF1a was not correlated to either metastasis (p=0.527) or OS (p=0.993), advanced stage demonstrated a strong association on shorter distant metastatic in no-chemotherapy (p=0.021) and complete-chemotherapy group (p=0.004) and also poor OS in both groups (p=0.006 and p=0.002, respectively). The hormone receptor showed a protective effect on the no-chemotherapy group's OS (p= 0.019). Meanwhile, not undergoing chemotherapy was associated with poor OS in the all-patient group (p= 0.011). CONCLUSION: SDF1a mRNA amplification has a significant correlation with the occurrence of metastasis and OS in all-patient and no-chemotherapy group. Undergoing chemotherapy negates the effect of SDF1a for distant metastasis and OS.

Methylene Blue Absorption in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Early Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy is claimed to cause lymphatic drainage damage because of the tumor cell's apoptosis process. This event might cause decreased marker (radioactive solution and/or blue dye) absorption on sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). In this study, the researchers used methylene blue only and wished to evaluate the methylene blue absorption of the SLNB procedure on early-stage breast-cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method used was the historical cohort study conducted from 2016-2019 in Indonesia. Samples were collected from 117 patients of stage I and II breast cancer with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes, who were then grouped into post-NAC and no-NAC (control group), in which SLNB procedures were conducted on the two groups by using single-method methylene blue. The results of methylene blue absorption were then analyzed by the Chi-square hypothesis test. RESULTS: From the total of 564 early-stage patients who were referred to surgical oncologists, 117 patients were found to meet criteria of inclusion, consisting of the control group (52 patients) and the post-NAC group (65 patents). Of 65 patients who had undergone NAC treatment and SLNB procedure, it was found that 40 patients (61.5%) showed positive blue SLN. Of 52 pre-NAC breast-cancer patients, it was found that 47 patients (90.4%) showed methylene blue absorption on SLN with the p-value of 0.000 (P<0.05, significant). The relative risk value amounted to 0.522. Post-NAC patients had a tendency of decreased absorption of methylene blue. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can cause the decrease of methylene blue absorption on SLNB procedure.