How is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Performed?
You will most likely be asked to check into the hospital the morning of your surgery. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is usually performed under a general anesthesia. It usually takes about an hour. If a lumpectomy is to be done, the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is usually accomplished first. Blue dye is injected beneath the nipple areolar area. An incision is made in the axilla (armpit) just below the hair line. A handheld gamma camera is used to guide the surgeon to the node or nodes seen on the nuclear medicine lymph node mapping. Any blue nodes or nodes found with the gamma camera are removed. After the surgeon removes the intended part of the breast, the incision is closed. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY? Our goal is for your surgery and recovery to be as comfortable and convenient as possible. After breast conserving surgery, you may experience temporary pain and swelling at the excision site. Most Patients are able to engage in light activity while at home after surgery. Patients c
