Sentinel lymph node biopsy results in less postoperative morbidity compared with axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer

Background: This study was designed to compare the postoperative morbidity and socioeconomic impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients with early stage breast cancer. Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized, controlled study was designed to include patients who underwent breast conservation surgery and SLNB ± ALND. Group A consisted of patients who had a negative SLNB and did not go on to completion ALND. Group B consisted of patients who underwent a SLNB followed by a completion ALND because either (1) their sentinel node contained cancer or (2) they were within the validation phase of our institution’s sentinel lymph node protocol. Patients were evaluated with a questionnaire and underwent a standardized physical examination to determine arm circumference. Results: Data were obtained from 96 patients with a mean follow-up period of 15 months (range 8 to 29). Significant differences were seen in subjective measurements of arm complaints and arm numbness ( P