Comparison of Post-Operative Morbidity in Women Submitted to Axillary Lymph Node Dissection and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer - Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients can result in post-surgical morbidity involving functional impairment and emotional stress. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is simple and less invasive, representing an alternative to axillary lymph node dissection, and can improve the patient's post-surgical quality of life. Objective: The study's aim was to review the literature in order to assess post-surgical morbidity in sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection. Methods: A literature review was performed to evaluate the results of studies analyzing post-surgical morbidity in women with breast cancer. A literature search covering seven years (2000-2006) was performed in the Medline and Scielo databases. Studies with the best methodologies were selected, and post-surgical complications were summarized. Results: Sentinel lymph node biopsy showed fewer post-surgical complications when compared to axillary lymph node dissection, including impaired arm function, lymphedema, weakness, seroma, sensory disorders, pain, and web syndrome. Conclusion: The literature review showed that sentinel lymph node biopsy has a lower incidence of post-surgical morbidity and complications, faster recovery, and better quality of life as compared to axillary lymph node dissection in women with breast cancer.