Preparation
Preparation for sentinel lymph node biopsy will vary and will be based on surgeon preference. It can be done on an outpatient basis or may require a short hospital stay. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or breast feeding. Talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, especially those that thin the blood. Blood thinning medications may need to be stopped days or weeks before the procedure, because they can lead to excessive bleeding. If you are going to have general anethesia, do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure. You should prepare to have someone drive you home after the procedure, because you may be groggy. In any case speak to your doctor about the exact preparation routine because with each case.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects from SLN biopsy are pain, numbness, limited range of motion, infection, and swelling (lymphedema, seromas-collection of innocuous fluid). These symptoms are usually temporary and decrease in severity over time.(1)
Learn more about lymphedema
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