Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Procedure

What is the purpose of a sentinel lymph node biopsy?

• To remove the entire lymphatic chain

• To identify the first lymph node(s) that drain from a tumor site

• To inject chemotherapy directly into the lymph nodes

• To remove the tumor mass

What is the “Rule of 5s” when injecting isosulfan blue dye?

• 5 mL of dye, 5 minutes of massage, 5 cm incision

• 5 mL of dye, 5 sites, 5 cm diameter, 5 minutes of massage

• 5 mL of dye, 5 lymph nodes, 5 minutes of observation

• 5 mL of dye, 5 minutes of surgery, 5 cm of tissue removed

Isosulfan blue dye can cause allergic reactions, so a crash cart must be immediately available.

• True

• False

What alternative to isosulfan blue dye may be used for sentinel node identification?

• Methylene blue

• Technetium-99 sulfur colloid

• Iodine contrast

• Fluorescein

What is the wound classification for a sentinel node biopsy without complications?

• Class I: Clean

• Class II: Clean-contaminated

• Class III: Contaminated

• Class IV: Dirty-infected