Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundBecause of inaccuracies in clinical staging, endometrial adenocarcinoma is now a surgically staged disease. This study was done to determine the safety and efficacy of a laparoscopically assisted approach in the treatment and staging of this disease.MethodsUsing a retrospective chart review, we identified demographic characteristics, mean blood loss, operative findings, and complications of patients who had laparoscopically assisted staging and treatment for endometrial carcinoma from 1992 to 1997.ResultsOf 34 patients, 28 had laparoscopic surgical staging that included pelvic and paraaortic lymph node assessment, peritoneal washings, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and total vaginal hysterectomy; 23 patients (82%) had stage I disease, 2 (7%) had stage II disease, and 3(11%) had stage III disease. Complications included herniation through a 5 mm port site, necessitating small bowel resection, and a fatal myocardial infarction 10 days postoperatively.ConclusionLaparoscopic staging and treatment of endometrial carcinoma is appropriate in a select group of patients.