Introduction/Background Sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures have emerged as a potential avenue for reducing surgical morbidity in ovarian cancer without compromising oncological outcomes. The primary objective is to assess the SLN technique, and associated outcomes, with a focus on minimizing surgical morbidity without compromising oncological efficacy.

Methodology Twenty-two patients who underwent laparotomy with a frozen section confirming an ovarian malignancy, and those who underwent a second staging laparotomy after prior resection of a malignant ovarian mass, were included in the study. Blue dye or indocyanine green (ICG) was injected into the ligamentum infundibulo-pelvicum, the ligamentum ovarii propium, or both.

Results The mean±SD age at diagnosis was 46.32±13.63 years, and the body mass index was 24.85±4.19 kg/m2. The sentinel lymph node mapping approach was applied laparoscopically in 2 cases and laparotomy in the other 20 cases. The sentinel lymph node mapping procedure was completed in all 22 patients. At least one SLN was identified in 19 patients, resulting in a high detection rate of 86.4%. Sentinel nodes were identified only in the para-aortic area in 14, pelvic/para-aortic areas in 4, and pelvic only area in 1 patient. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 19.68±7.69 and 19.86±7.74 in the pelvic and para-aortic locations, respectively. One patient had lymph node involvement in the paraaortic lymph node and had not involved sentinel nodes. The final histotypes were high-grade serous (8 cases), clear cell (8 cases), endometrioid (5 cases), and mucinous (1 case).

Conclusion While acknowledging the limited available data, this study suggests a promising role for SLN mapping procedures in ovarian cancer surgery. The evidence highlights the potential for reducing surgical morbidity, though caution is advised. Further research is warranted to establish the broader applicability of SLN procedures in routine clinical practice.

Disclosures None.