Prospective evaluation of factors influencing success rates of sentinel node biopsy in 814 breast cancer patients.

Objective: This prospective multicenter study was performed to assess the reliability of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer and to analyze factors potentially influencing success rates.

Methods: In 21 departments, SLN biopsy and consecutive axillary lymph node dissection were performed in 814 breast cancer patients. The 80 surgeons involved were free in the choice of lymphography technique.