Instructions for After Your Sentinel Node Biopsy
(or Axillary Dissection)
Most patients who undergo a Sentinel Node Biopsy are able to go home the same day of surgery. If an axillary
dissection is done, an overnight stay may be needed.
After surgery, you may be wrapped in an ACE wrap. This is for your comfort and should be left on for 12 to
24 hours. You may adjust the wrap if it feels too tight or if it gets loose.
Many times the dressing on the incision, under the ACE wrap, is waterproof. You may shower and get this
dressing wet the day after your surgery. Remove the waterproof dressing if it causes skin irritation. If
the waterproof dressing is not applied after your surgery, you should keep the area dry for 3 days. Call
our nurse it you have further questions.
If you have a drain in place after your surgery, it means that you have an axillary dissection and you will
probably stay in the hospital overnight. This drain is called a J-P drain and the nurses will teach you how
to empty and care for the drain once you go home. They will show you how to keep a record of output.
Usually, when the drainage falls below 30ml in a 24 hour period, it can be removed. The drain can be removed
in the office.
Occasionally, fluid output will accumulate under your incisions. This is called seroma and may need to be
aspirated with a needle and syringe in our office.
You should call our office when you return home from your surgery to schedule a follow-up appointment for
three to five days after your surgery.
The final pathology report may take as long as 48 to 72 hours to be completed. As soon as it is available,
we will call you with the results.
Please avoid activities requiring heavy exertion such as jogging, aerobics, or swimming until after you follow
up with your surgeon.
Please call our office at (919) 782-8200 with any questions or concerns.
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