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First Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in GRAFTON, NSW
On the 11/10/18 the first sentinel lymph node biopsy for Melanoma was performed at Grafton Base Hospital. After two years, since Dr. Oddone-Baridon started at Grafton Base Hospital, this procedure has been on the works.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure where the first lymph node of drainage of a melanoma in a particular site is identified and resected. This saves the patient from having a more invasive procedure requiring to clear all the lymph glands in the area, be it axilla, groin, neck etc.
In order to idenfify this lymph node a gamma probe is required as well as the injection of a nuclear isotope done in Grafton under the tutelage of Dr. Ting. The step that has been difficult has been acquiring a gamma probe, currently valued at 65,000 AUD.
Anthony Corkett operating theatre manager was instrumental in achieving this. The community is thankful as this will avoid significant unecessary travel for medical procedures.