Perioperative Algorithm as a Novel Method for Lymph Node Assessment in Stage I Endometrial Cancer

Background: The uterus has a complex lymphatic drainage consisting of many groups that are in danger of endometrial cancer (EC) spread. Lymph node metastasis is a genuine pointer of poor prognosis requiring adjuvant therapy. Lymphatic mapping surgically can be done by blue dye labeling and perioperative algorithm. Aim: To assess the role of perioperative sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) mapping algorithm in reducing the necessity of pelvic lymphadenectomy. Methods: Fifty patients with early stage I EC underwent surgical staging. Transcervical injection of methylene blue was used, laparotomy was done and retroperitoneal spaces were opened. All lymph nodes were histopathologically examined and the negative SLN were ultrastaged. Results: Methylene blue dye injection resulted in blue lymph nodes in 20 (40%) cases, suspicious in 2 (4%) and negative in 28 (56%). Histopathological examination of sampled lymph node showed metastases in 18/20 (90%) of blue nodes, 1/2 (50%) of suspicious nodes and 0/28 (0%) of negative nodes. There were no false negative cases in this study and the detection rate was 89%. Conclusion: Perioperative algorithm accuracy and simplicity make it a reliable approach for lymph node assessment in early stage EC.