Value of SPECT/CT for Detection and Anatomic Localization of Sentinel Lymph Nodes Before Laparoscopic Sentinel Node Lymphadenectomy in Prostate Carcinoma

Abstract

More sentinel nodes can be detected with SPECT/CT than with planar imaging alone. In comparison with planar imaging, SPECT/CT especially reveals extra sentinel nodes near the prostate and outside the area of the extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. Furthermore, the modality provides useful additional information about the anatomic location of sentinel nodes within and outside the pelvic area, leading to improved intraoperative sentinel node identification.