title: Total laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) hysterectomy in low-risk early endometrial cancer: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the last few years, technical advances have produced a dramatic shift from traditional open surgery toward a minimally invasive approach, even in oncological procedures. We present our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in the surgical treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between July 2009 and May 2010, 20 consecutive low-risk early endometrial cancer patients were enrolled in this single institution prospective cohort trial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median age of the patients was 57 years (range = 42-68) and median body mass index was 24 kg/m(2) (range = 21-30). Median operative time was 105 min (range = 85-155) and median estimated blood loss was 20 ml (range = 10-180). The larger skin and fascial incision required for the single-port approach was 2.5 cm (median = 2.2 cm; range = 2.0-2.5). No laparoscopic/laparotomic conversion was registered, and no insertion of additional ports was necessary. Median ileus was 16 h (range = 12-20) and median time to discharge was 1 day (range = 1-2). All patients were completely satisfied with the cosmetic results and postoperative pain control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery could represent a surgical option for extra-fascial hysterectomy in early-stage endometrial cancer patients, with the potential to further decrease invasiveness of the conventional laparoscopic approach.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, L.go A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. francesco.fanfani@rm.unicatt.it
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fanfani
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rossitto
authors.forename: Maria Lucia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Gagliardi
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gallotta
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gueli Alletti
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scambia
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fagotti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects