The role of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer.

摘要

OBJECTIVES: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer. Surgical treatment has traditionally been done by laparotomy, however the laparoscopic approach has gained wider acceptance by gynecologic surgeons. Whether in combination with laparoscopic-assisted or laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic staging, including lymph-node dissection, is a major component in the treatment of patients with early endometrial cancer. It remains to be proven if these techniques are associated with the greatest benefit. METHODS: Substantial recent studies on the topic of surgical laparoscopic treatment of endometrial cancer were identified from Medline. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Laparoscopically assisted surgical staging (LASS) has been reported in several case series totaling more than 600 cases. CONCLUSION: The report illustrates that laparoscopically assisted surgical staging of endometrial cancer is safe as an open procedure. The laparoscopic approach may also be considered for endometrial malignancy which typically occurs in obese and elderly high-risk women.