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Sentinel Node Staging is an alternative surgical approach to traditional
complete axillary dissection. This technique was developed in the early 90's
and shortly thereafter implemented in our practice. This procedure allows
us to adequately evaluate and stage the axilla without the need to perform
an extensive removal of the axillary contents, unless cancer cells are found
in the sentinel nodes. The advantage of sentinel node staging is to limit
the extent of surgery in this delicate anatomical site, which greatly decreases
the possibilities of complications to the arm and shoulder that can result
from complete axillary lymphatic dissection. |