Excisional Lymph Node Biopsy

Abstract

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for excisional lymph node biopsy as performed by the following approach: open. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: Visualize the lymph node while identifying and avoiding other nearby structures, removing the lymph node while maintaining full integrity of the specimen, and sending the specimen fresh to pathology for frozen section.