Learning curve for sentinel lymph node mapping in gynecologic malignancies

Seongmin Kim, Ki Jin Ryu, Kyung Jin Min, Sanghoon Lee, Un Suk Jung, Jin Hwa Hong, Jae Yun Song, Jae Kwan Lee, Nak Woo Lee

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    19 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background and Objectives: Only a few studies have reported the learning curve for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in gynecologic malignancies. We investigated the learning curve for SLN detection during robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for endometrial and cervical carcinomas. Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients with stage IA to IIA1 cervical cancer or stage I to III endometrial cancer who underwent SLN mapping using indocyanine green during robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery performed by a single surgeon. Learning curves were analyzed in consecutive cases using SLN detection rates and the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. Results: SLN mapping was achieved in 81.25% (65/80), 77.50% (62/80), and 66.25% (53/80) of the cases involving the right, left, and simultaneous bilateral pelvic areas, respectively. Learning curve analysis based on the cumulative detection rate showed initial fluctuations followed by stabilization; the time required for proficiency was discordant among the LN regions. However, the CUSUM method showed proficient mapping of the right, left, and bilateral SLNs after 27 to 28 cases. Conclusion: At least 27 cases were required for SLN mapping proficiency in gynecologic cancer; the learning period could influence the surgical quality. Further studies are warranted to confirm the impact of this learning curve on disease outcomes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)599-604
    Number of pages6
    JournalJournal of Surgical Oncology
    Volume121
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020 Mar 1

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

    Keywords

    • cervical cancer
    • endometrial cancer
    • learning curve
    • sentinel lymph node

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Surgery
    • Oncology

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