To investigate the efficacy of combining preoperative sentinel lymph node contrast-enhanced ultrasound (SLN-CEUS) with methylene blue (MB) injections into lymph nodes and intra-operative indocyanine green (ICG) injections for sentinel lymph node detection, clarifying the role of MB in both groups.
Key Findings:
CEUS provides real-time imaging for accurate SLN localization.
Combining CEUS with MB and ICG improves detection rates and minimizes false negatives, with specific rates to be included.
The study included 76 patients in the CEUS Group and 58 in the Blue Staining Group after exclusions.
Interpretation:
The dual tracing approach using CEUS and ICG may enhance the accuracy of sentinel lymph node identification, potentially improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications associated with axillary lymph node dissection.
Limitations:
CEUS results can be operator-dependent, affecting outcomes.
Not recommended for patients with restricted upper limb abduction.
Conclusion:
The integration of CEUS and ICG represents a promising advancement in sentinel lymph node biopsy techniques, aiming to enhance detection rates while minimizing invasiveness, potentially improving patient outcomes.
