Intraoperative sentinel lymph node mapping in laparoscopic operations for colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic resections in colorectal cancer gain an increasing popularity. Sentinel lymph node mapping in colorectal cancer and its advantages in daily practice are still subject of discussion. In laparoscopic operations, the procedure has same technical difficulties, although provides definite advan­tages in staging and estimating the extent of lymph dissection.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present techniques for intraoperative sentinel lymph nodes mapping in colorectal cancer and their detection with surgical gamma probe in laparoscopic resection, which are used in our clinic, and the initial results from them.RESULTS: The initial results show that sentinel lymph nodes mapping with radionuclides and their detec­tion with surgical gamma probe are technically feasible in laparoscopic resections for colorectal cancer. The method has additional possibilities for the surgeon for estimating of the lymph drainage and precise stag­ing in laparoscopic operation.CONCLUSION: Nevertheless the contradictory opinions for application of sentinel lymph nodes mapping in colorectal cancer, the method provides certain advantages in improving staging. In laparoscopic opera­tions, although having some difficulties, it could be used, as it offers additional facilitation for the surgeon in estimating the lymph drainage in condition of decreased tactile sensation. Scr Sci Med 2017; 49(3):19-2