Publication

Surgical consensus guidelines on sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with oral cancer

Journal Paper/Review - Mar 21, 2019

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Schilling C, Klop W, Kerawala C, Lawson G, McMahon J, Sassoon I, Shaw R, Tvedskov J, von Buchwald C, Kohno N, Garrel R, Frerich B, Stöckli S, Vigili M, de Bree R, Lai S, Alvarez J, Christensen A, Cognetti D, D'Cruz A, McGurk M. Surgical consensus guidelines on sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with oral cancer. Head & neck 2019; 41:2655-2664.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Head & neck 2019; 41
Publication Date
Mar 21, 2019
Issn Electronic
1097-0347
Pages
2655-2664
Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND
The eighth international symposium for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in head and neck cancer was held in 2018. This consensus conference aimed to deliver current multidisciplinary guidelines. This document focuses on the surgical aspects of SNB for oral cancer.

METHOD
Invited expert faculty selected topics requiring guidelines. Topics were reviewed and evidence evaluated where available. Data were presented at the consensus meeting, with live debate from panels comprising expert, nonexpert, and patient representatives followed by voting to assess the level of support for proposed recommendations. Evidence review, debate, and voting results were all considered in constructing these guidelines.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION
A range of topics were considered, from patient selection to surgical technique and follow-up schedule. Consensus was not achieved in all areas, highlighting potential issues that would benefit from prospective studies. Nevertheless these guidelines represent an up-to-date pragmatic recommendation based on current evidence and expert opinion.