The sentinel node biopsy under local anesthesia in breast cancer: advantages and problems, how the technique influenced the activity of a breast surgery department; update from the European Institute of Oncology with more than 1000 cases.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a staging technique with a significant impact on patients' quality of life: the oncological effectiveness in a large number of patients affected by breast carcinoma has been already demonstrated, and the clinical research is now focusing on new indication for the biopsy and widespread adoption of the technique. At the European Institute of Oncology we are applying SLNB under local anesthesia: our aim is to improve the management of the disease with low costs for the structure and patients, and to improve patients' acceptance of breast cancer treatments. We are now discussing the impact of the SLNB under local anesthesia on the activity of a breast surgery department. We also present an update of our experience.