Factors affecting false-negative rates on ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping in colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Despite the increasing use of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping after colorectal cancer resection, reported node identification and false-negative rates vary considerably. The main aim of this prospective study was to quantify the false-negative rates on SLN mapping after resection and to evaluate factors influencing them.

Methods: Sixty-nine patients with biopsy-proven cancer of the colon and rectum underwent SLN mapping according to a protocol involving the ex vivo submucosal and peritumoral injection of 2-4 ml of Patent Blue V dye.

Pyogenic liver abscess: is drainage always possible?

The treatment of pyogenic liver abscess generally involves antibiotic therapy and radiological percutaneous drainage or aspiration. Surgical drainage is rarely advisable. We report a case of multiloculated liver abscess that was not suitable for either percutaneous drainage or open surgical drainage.