Diffusion-weighted-preparation (D-prep) MRI as a future extension of SPECT/CT based surgical planning for sentinel node procedures in the head and neck area?

Sentinel node (SN) biopsy procedures are a common example of an approach routinely performed using image guidance [1,2]. In a state-of-the-art setting pre-operative single photon computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) images are used to define the number and location of the SNs (using the nuclear component) and their general location (using the CT component; Scheme 1A). However, even with careful preoperative planning, in general 3–10% of patients that undergo lymph node (LN) biopsy in the neck show iatrogenic nerve damage-related side effects (e.g.

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