An evolution in sentinel node mapping for cervical cancer.

The technique of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has emerged as an alternative to complete pelvic lymphadenectomy to establish lymph node status in early stage cervical cancers. Traditional lymph node stripping techniques are associated with high rates of patient morbidity, such as lymphedema. For the majority of patients who are free of lymph node metastases this morbidity seems unnecessary if an alternative technique can achieve the same accuracy.