Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Reports describing laparoscopic lymph node sampling in patients with gynecologic malignancies have yet to describe a method to sample left-sided aortic lymph nodes that has been successful in a large series of patients. We submit our experience with evolving techniques that allow for excellent visualization and resection of both left and right aortic and pelvic lymph nodes. STUDY DESIGN: Forty patients with gynecologic malignancies underwent laparoscopy for surgical staging. Thirty-five of the patients were completely staged laparoscopically with minimal blood loss. The average number of lymph nodes sampled was 27.7 (range 14 to 35). RESULTS: Five patients required laparotomy, two to control bleeding, two to remove unsuspected intraabdominal disease, and one because of equipment failure. Four patients were rehospitalized within 30 days of surgery, two with small bowel obstructions resulting from herniation of the intestine through 12 mm trocar sites and two others with deep vein thromboses. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results demonstrate an ability to complete surgical staging in patients with gynecologic malignancies by means of specific endoscopic techniques. However, there remains a need for continued evaluation of these techniques and the associated morbidities.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.