Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer Using Short Time Injection Protocol and Intraoperative Freehand SPECT Imaging

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard of care for cN0 breast cancer patients. The injection of the radioisotope at Nuclear Medicine 2-24 h prior surgery and planar scintigraphy is part of the established protocols in most European countries. The availability of 3D intraoperative SPECT might facilitate the detection and removal of the sentinel lymph nodes. This potentially could simplify logistics and reduce cost.