Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) announced a significant advancement in surgical oncology as Dr. Bill Ball performs the first sentinel lymph node biopsy in Northern Louisiana using advanced Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye. This innovative procedure marks an important step forward in cancer treatment in the region, offering a safer and more precise alternative to traditional biopsy methods.
Sentinel lymph nodes are the primary sites where cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor. Identifying these nodes is critical for accurate cancer staging and treatment planning. By utilizing the Stryker camera system in combination with ICG dye, Dr. Ball can now visualize these nodes through the skin in real time. This approach replaces older techniques that relied on radioactive materials and blue dyes, which often required larger incisions and carried a higher risk of allergic reactions.
“This technology allows us to map a patient’s lymph nodes with remarkable accuracy without the need for nuclear medicine,” said Dr. Bill Ball. “By visualizing the nodes in real time, we can perform smaller incisions, reduce surgical time, and ultimately provide a higher standard of care.”
“This advancement reflects our continued commitment to bringing leading-edge medical technology to our community by allowing patients to receive advanced cancer care locally without the need to travel for specialized treatment,” said Kirk Soileau, CEO of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
NRMC has a long history of using ICG technology, having incorporated it into robotic gallbladder and bowel perfusion procedures since 2014. Its application in sentinel lymph node biopsies for melanoma, breast, and colon cancers represents a major clinical milestone. Patients benefit from a less invasive experience, reduced costs, and access to advanced cancer mapping technology close to home.
