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. 2011 Dec 2;9:157. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-9-157

Table 6.

Benefits and Drawbacks of ICG Flourescence Method

Benefits of ICG fluorescence method Drawbacks of ICG fluorescence method
(1) The subcutaneous lymphatic vessels running from the areola to the axilla can be observed from outside, through the skin allowing of the accurate determination location of the skin incision in the axilla. (1) If lymph vessels that have been emitting fluorescence signal are damaged, ICG will leak into the surrounding tissue, preventing an accurate identification of sentinel lymph nodes.

(2) Fluorescence can be used as a guide to remove the lymph vessels running toward the axilla more easily. (2) Many lymph nodes that are emitting fluorescence, with an average of five or more, can appear

(3) If any fluorescence signal is detected in the extracted lymph nodes, it means there are sentinel lymph nodes in those lymph nodes. (3) Skin pigmentation due to ICG remains for a certain period of time.

(4) Other benefits include: no exposure to radiation, easy to use, and cost effectiveness.