Laparoscopic management of early stage endometrial cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic hysterectomy versus the transabdominal approach with systemic pelvic lymphadenectomy in early stage endometrial cancer.


METHODS
From January 1996 to April 2002, 59 women were treated for endometrial cancer at the Department of Gynecology in Padova, Italy (29 by the laparoscopic technique and 30 by laparotomy). Every patient underwent hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy with systemic pelvic lymphadenectomy.


RESULTS
Comparing the two techniques, operating time was longer and hospital stay was significantly shorter for laparoscopy; no differences were observed about the number of removed lymph nodes (range 5-33) or intra-postoperatory complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The laparoscopic approach to endometrial cancer is certainly to be considered appropriate and efficacious, even if it requires skilled surgeons and adequate oncologic training. It is important to perform pelvic lymphadenectomy in all cases of early stage cancer.
Litta
P
P
Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, University of Padova, Italy.
Fracas
M
M
Pozzan
C
C
Merlin
F
F
Saccardi
C
C
Sacco
G
G
Mannici
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome