Our Summary

This study investigated a side effect of endometrial cancer surgery: leg swelling caused by damage to the lymphatic system, also known as lower extremity lymphedema. The researchers wanted to find out if this side effect was more common in patients who underwent a procedure called lymphadenectomy, which involves removing lymph nodes, compared to those who had a less invasive procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy.

The study involved patients who had minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, between 2009 and 2016. The patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire about their experience of leg swelling after surgery.

The results showed that leg swelling was indeed more common in patients who had lymphadenectomy compared to those who had sentinel lymph node biopsy. This was true even after taking into account other factors such as body mass index, radiation treatment, diabetes, heart failure, and the severity of the cancer.

In conclusion, the study found that sentinel lymph node biopsy was associated with a lower risk of leg swelling after surgery compared to lymphadenectomy. This information could be useful for doctors and patients when deciding on the best surgical approach for endometrial cancer.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of this research study?
  2. How was the research conducted and who participated in the study?
  3. What are the key findings of the research study and how could this information be useful?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sentinel lymph node biopsy is that it is a less invasive procedure compared to lymphadenectomy, which may reduce the risk of side effects such as leg swelling caused by damage to the lymphatic system. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of each procedure with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sentinel lymph node biopsy are those with early-stage endometrial cancer who have a low risk of lymph node involvement. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is considered less invasive compared to lymphadenectomy and may reduce the risk of side effects such as leg swelling caused by damage to the lymphatic system.

Timeline

Before sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the stage and severity of the cancer.
  3. Treatment options are discussed with the patient, including the possibility of lymphadenectomy.
  4. Patient decides to undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy as a less invasive alternative to lymphadenectomy.
  5. Surgery is scheduled and the patient prepares for the procedure.

After sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes sentinel lymph node biopsy, which involves removing only a few lymph nodes near the tumor.
  2. Patient recovers from the surgery and may experience some discomfort and swelling at the surgical site.
  3. Pathology report confirms whether cancer has spread to the sentinel lymph nodes.
  4. Patient follows up with their healthcare team to discuss the results and determine next steps for treatment.
  5. Patient may experience less risk of leg swelling and other side effects compared to if they had undergone lymphadenectomy.
  6. Patient continues with their cancer treatment plan, which may include additional surgeries, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy and how does it differ from a lymphadenectomy?
  2. What are the potential risks and side effects of a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  3. How likely is it that I will experience leg swelling after surgery with a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  4. Are there any specific factors that may increase my risk of experiencing leg swelling after a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  5. What steps can I take to reduce my risk of developing leg swelling after surgery?
  6. How will you monitor and manage any potential leg swelling after surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative surgical approaches that could reduce my risk of leg swelling?
  8. How will the results of a sentinel lymph node biopsy impact my treatment plan for endometrial cancer?
  9. Are there any long-term implications of leg swelling after surgery that I should be aware of?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources about sentinel lymph node biopsy and its potential effects on the lymphatic system?

Reference

Authors: Glaser G, Dinoi G, Multinu F, Yost K, Al Hilli M, Larish A, Kumar A, McGree M, Weaver AL, Cheville A, Dowdy S, Mariani A. Journal: Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2021 Jan;31(1):85-91. doi: 10.1136/ijgc-2020-001924. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33243776