Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy Research Articles

Extraperitoneal laparoscopy for para-aortic lymphadenectomy in endometrial carcinoma staging: an approach with higher efficiency

BackgroundRemoving more inframesenteric nodes is not only significantly increases the likelihood of finding metastasis for endometrial cancer, but also can add survival advantage. As most patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer are overweight or obesity, a high efficiency approach is important. Aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of extraperitoneal laparoscopic, transperitoneal laparoscopic, and laparotomic para-aortic lymphadenectomy in endometrial carcinoma staging.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data of all patients diagnosed with primary endometrial carcinoma who were treated at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. The numbers of para-aortic lymph nodes, surgical time, complications, blood loss and hospital stay were compared. The patients’ medical records and pathological reports were carefully reviewed. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.ResultsWe retrospectively compared patients who underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopy (Group E, n = 20), transperitoneal laparoscopy (group T, n = 21), and laparotomy (group L, n = 135). The median number of para-aortic lymph nodes was significantly higher in group E than in groups T and L (9.5, 5, and 6, respectively; p = 0.004 and 0.0004, respectively). All patients in group E underwent successfully dissection to the renal vessel level. The median operation time was significantly shorter in group L than in groups T and E (94, 174, and 233 min, respectively; p < 0.0001). The median estimated blood loss volume was higher in group L than in groups T and E (200, 100, and 142.5 ml, respectively; all comparisons p < 0.001), and the length of hospital stay was significantly longer in group L than in Groups T and E (6, 5, and 6 days, respectively; all comparisons p < 0.001).ConclusionThe extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach for staging endometrial carcinoma harvested higher numbers of para-aortic lymph nodes which could be considered for endometrial carcinoma staging, especially for para-aortic lymph node harvest.

Learning curve of laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy for endometrial carcinoma: A cumulative sum analysis

ObjectiveMinimally invasive surgery including lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer is widely standardized for the management of endometrial cancer in recent decades. However, the learning curve for laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy is poorly reported, specifically that for the extraperitoneal approach. MethodsWe examined the learning curve for laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy by cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis by retrospectively analyzing 134 patients with early-stage endometrial cancer who had undergone laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy, including the first case. Data on the surgical factors that improved and were statistically correlated with the number of procedures experienced were extracted and used to create CUSUM curves. ResultsThe average time for para-aortic lymphadenectomy was 149.4 min to harvest an average of 65.3 para-aortic lymph nodes. Intra- and postoperative complications were observed in nine cases (6.7%). A switch to the transperitoneal approach was necessary in three cases (2.2%). The number of harvested para-aortic lymph nodes and the procedure time were strongly correlated with the number of procedures the patient underwent (p < 0.01). The CUSUM curve of the number of harvested para-aortic lymph nodes indicated an inflection point at the 51st case. The procedure time for para-aortic lymphadenectomy stabilized after the 59th case. CUSUM analysis of “unexpected events,” including intra- and postoperative complications and switch to the transperitoneal approach, showed an improved incidence at 60 cases and later. ConclusionGaining proficiency in laparoscopic extraperitoneal thorough para-aortic lymphadenectomy is associated with a long learning curve of over 60 procedures. Careful management is required when introducing the procedure.

Periaortic Abdominal Fat Area as a Predictor of Surgical Difficulties during Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy

To evaluate whether obesity is a marker of surgical difficulty during extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Retrospective observational cohort study. Tertiary medical center in the Kanazawa area of Japan. Eighty-four patients with primary endometrial cancer who underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LPAND) between January 2005 and December 2017 were included. We investigated the correlation between operative times and body mass indexes, visceral fat areas, and periabdominal artery fat areas (PAFAs). The number of lymph nodes harvested was used as an indicator of the degree of surgical completion. There was no correlation between the operative time and body mass index. Significant correlations were observed between operative time and visceral fat area (p = .026; r = 0.243) and between operative time and PAFA (p = .007; r = 0.293). A multivariate analysis showed that PAFA was a significant independent marker that could be used to predict prolonged operative times for extraperitoneal LPAND (p = .045; odds ratio, 3.05). The number of para-aortic lymph nodes harvested was not significant in the high- and low-PAFA groups (22 and 25, respectively; p = .525). PAFA is an adequate marker of prolonged operative time for extraperitoneal LPAND among patients with endometrial cancer.

2662 Accurate Dissection in Robotic Surgery Using the Double Bipolar Method-With Pinpoint Accuracy

Video Objective To demonstrate the accuracy of dissection of the double bipolar method in robotic surgery. We will show operative techniques used in real surgical settings for procedures such as modified radical hysterectomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for clinical stage I endometrial cancer. Setting Urban general hospital in Japan. Patients From December 26, 2018 to April 22, 2019, 21 patients underwent these techniques. Interventions We performed robotic modified radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oorphrectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy robotically on a clinical stage Ia case (grade 1-2 histology). Some patients also underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy, and the case shown was clinical stage Ib (or grade 3 histology). This technique was pioneered by Prof Ichiro Uyama, a robotic gastrointestinal surgeon. We use robotic Maryland forceps as the cutting device with a Valleylab FT10 energy platform (ForceTriad energy platform) at macromode 60W. The advantage of this technique is that many of the concerns surrounding the use of other instrumentation such as monopolar scissors, where adjacent tissue may be inadvertently injured, are removed by the pinpoint accuracy of this technique. This technique is important for bladder and ureteral dissection and exposure of vessels. As the cuts are made in the very limited point by a lightening strike mechanism, causing spark vaporization of the tissue, there is minimal thermal spread to adjacent organs. Measurements and Main Results Estimated blood loss was 201ml, operation time was 171mins. No patients who underwent these interventions suffered organ injury or required a blood transfusion. Conclusion The pinpoint accuracy of the bipolar method allowed for safe and complete dissection.

Related problems of laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies

Related problems of laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies

Does ultrasonic advanced energy reduce lymphocele incidence in laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of ultrasonic advanced energy in reducing the occurrence of symptomatic lymphocele and its related complications in laparoscopic extra-peritoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecological cancer. Study designA retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients in a tertiary referral center identified 2 groups of patients, undergoing laparoscopic extra-peritoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy with or without the use of ultrasonic advanced energy. Surgery time, hospital stay, number of retrieved nodes and lymphocele requiring treatment were studied. Results were also compared between trained and trainee surgeons. Results163 patients were scheduled for laparoscopic extra-peritoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy: 81 treated using bipolar energy (control group: group 1) between August 1999 and January 2005, and 82 treated using ultrasonic advanced energy (study group: group 2) between July 2010 and March 2014. The main indication (90% in group 1, 61% in group 2) was advanced cervical carcinoma (stage IB2 and above). Ultrasonic advanced energy significantly decreased operative time (p=0.001) and intra-operative bleeding (p=0.01) and increased the number of para-aortic nodes retrieved (p=0.02). There was no significant difference in hospital stay or lymphocele requiring treatment (8.6% in group 1, 8.5% in group 2: p=0.98). For senior than for junior surgeons, surgery time was shorter but not significantly (p=0.80) and postoperative lymphocele rates were identical. ConclusionUltrasonic advanced energy may provide benefit in laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy, facilitating surgical ergonomics, but did not decrease post-surgery lymphocele.

A comparison of extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal laparoscopic or robotic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for staging of endometrial carcinoma

ObjectiveThe optimal surgical approach for complete lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer is controversial. The objective of our study was to compare the surgical outcomes of extraperitoneal laparoscopic, transperitoneal laparoscopic, and robotic transperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer staging. MethodsA retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent extraperitoneal or transperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer staging from January 2007 to November 2012. Three patient groups were compared: extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy, robotic hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (“extraperitoneal group”; N=34); laparoscopic hysterectomy and transperitoneal pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (“transperitoneal laparoscopic group”; N=108); and robotic hysterectomy and transperitoneal pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (“transperitoneal robotic group”; N=52). Fisher's exact test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for statistical analysis, and statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. ResultsThe median number of para-aortic lymph nodes obtained was higher in the extraperitoneal group than in the transperitoneal laparoscopic and robotic groups (10, 5, and 4.5 nodes, respectively; P<0.001). BMI was higher in the extraperitoneal group (median, 35.1kg/m2) than in the transperitoneal groups but did not differ between the transperitoneal laparoscopic group (median, 28.4kg/m2) and the transperitoneal robotic group (median, 30.2kg/m2). Among patients with a BMI <35kg/m2, the median number of para-aortic nodes harvested was higher in the extraperitoneal group than in the transperitoneal laparoscopic and robotic groups (9, 4, and 5 nodes, respectively; P<0.01). The same pattern was observed among patients with a BMI ≥35kg/m2 (10, 6, and 3 nodes, respectively), but only the extraperitoneal group and the transperitoneal robotic group were significantly different (P=0.001). There was no significant difference in median estimated blood loss between the extraperitoneal group and either the transperitoneal laparoscopic group (100 vs. 112.5mL; P=0.06) or the transperitoneal robotic group (100 vs. 67.5mL; P=0.23). The median operative time was longer in the extraperitoneal group (339.5min; range, 242–453min) than in the transperitoneal laparoscopic group (286min; range, 101–480min) and the transperitoneal robotic group (297.5min, range 182–633min) (P<0.01). ConclusionExtraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy resulted in a higher number of para-aortic lymph nodes removed than transperitoneal laparoscopic or robotic lymphadenectomy. The extraperitoneal approach should be considered for endometrial cancer staging.

Comparison of robotic-assisted vs conventional laparoscopy for extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy for locally advanced cervical cancer and to compare to a previous series of patients from our institution undergoing the same procedure by conventional laparoscopy. Methods17 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO stages IB2, IIA2 and IIB–IVA) underwent pretherapeutic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy by robotic-assisted laparoscopy. Perioperative outcomes including age, BMI, FIGO stage, operating time, blood loss, complications and length of hospital stay were compared to a series of 83 patients from our institution undergoing the same procedure by conventional laparoscopy. ResultsThe median values for operating time and hospital days for the robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopy groups were 150 vs. 150min and 2 vs 2days, respectively. In the robotic group, blood loss was lower (90 vs 20ml, p<0.05) and more aortic nodes were removed (14 vs 17 nodes, p<0.05). Docking time was 7min (range 3–15). There were no intraoperative complications. There were no differences for postoperative complications (17.6% vs 8.4%). ConclusionRobotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopy provide similar perioperative outcomes other than lower blood loss and higher number of aortic nodes removed (both without clinical impact) in robotic patients for the performance of extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. We believe that robotic surgery is an additional tool to perform the same surgical procedure. HighlightsRobotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy provide similar perioperative outcomes.

Single-Port Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and the safety of single-port extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for patients with gynecologic cancer. From July 2012 to January 2013, a total of 7 patients with gynecologic cancer underwent a laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy with a single-port device. An extraperitoneal approach was performed for para-aortic lymphadenectomy using only one 2.5-cm incision on the left side. In 6 patients, additionally, hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with conventional laparoscopy were performed to complete the treatment. Aortic dissection was complete in all cases without complications. The median age of the patients was 63 years (range, 48-78 years), and the median patient body mass index was 31 kg/m(2) (range, 19-38 kg/m(2)). The median number of para-aortic nodes was 17 (range, 10-25); the median operative time was 204 minutes (range, 120-300 minutes). The median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3-6 days). No patient encountered postoperative complications. This study demonstrates the feasibility of single-port laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

Renovascular Hypertension as a Rare Complication of Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Paraaortic Lymphadenectomy

We describe the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with renovascular hypertension caused by a compressive hematoma, which was caused by polar artery injury occurred during a laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy procedure. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a renovascular disorder associated with this increasingly common procedure. We propose that the occurrence of vascular injury during laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy requires an early image control study aimed at monitoring for compressive disorders, which could lead to abnormal renal function.

Role of Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Para-aortic Lymph Node Dissection for the Treatment of Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

Surgical staging using transperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymph node dissection is an option for the pretreatment evaluation of locally advanced cervical cancer; however, its role for elderly patients (≥ 65 years) remains unclear. Elderly patients with stage IIB–IVA cervical squamous cell carcinoma who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymph node dissection (TLSPAD) before radiation therapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) during 1993–2001 were included in this retrospective study. The control group included elderly patients with the same clinical conditions, except they did not undergo TLSPAD. Survival and major bowel complications were compared between these two groups. The TLSPAD group consisted of 19 patients (median age: 72 years; range: 65–78 years), and the control group consisted of 37 patients (median age: 73 years; range: 65–86 years). In the TLSPAD group, para-aortic lymph node metastasis was noted in 15.8% of patients and another 15.8% were unable to have their lymph node laparoscopically retrieved. Although patients in the TLSPAD group demonstrated a higher rate of receiving CCRT than the control group, neither failure-free survival nor overall survival were statistically different between these two groups. Subsequent major bowel complications (e.g., fistula, bowel obstruction) were more frequent in the TLSPAD group (36.8%) than the control group (10.8%; p = 0.032). In elderly patients with locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma, pretreatment TLSPAD might not improve survival and might be associated with an increased risk of subsequent major bowel complications. Extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy might be a better method for the pretreatment surgical staging of elderly patients because it could potentially result in fewer bowel complications.

Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy in the Staging of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

The study's aim was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy at a peripheral center for the staging of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). From March 2009 to January 2011, 30 patients with LACC underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy. All patients were treated with definitive radiotherapy tailored according to the staging results. Data on demographics, pathologic findings, surgery, complications, and disease status at follow-up are presented. Patients' mean age was 47.6 years (range, 28-67 years). The mean body mass index was 26.3 (range, 19.1-35.6). Mean operative time was 118.7 minutes (range, 77-195 minutes) with an average of 14.2 lymph nodes removed (range, 5-34). Intraoperative complications were a lumbar artery injury and a bowel injury. No postoperative complications occurred. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.9 days (range, 1-6 days). Pathological examination revealed that 26.7% (8/30) of patients had metastatic disease in para-aortic lymph nodes. Two patients with disease at the para-aortic level died 5 and 12 months after diagnosis; both of them developed pulmonary and hepatic metastases. The rest of the patients were free of disease, after completion of the treatment, during a mean follow-up time of 15.6 months (range, 5-27 months). Laparoscopic extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy is a feasible procedure, even at peripheral centers, that is useful to identify patients with LACC and para-aortic disease and to tailor their treatment. Gynecologic oncologists are encouraged to learn this procedure and offer it to their patients.

Rate of para-aortic lymph node micrometastasis in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

Objective Patients with micrometastasis to para-aortic lymph nodes may benefit from extended field chemoradiation. To determine the rate of para-aortic node micrometastasis in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer undergoing laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Methods We prospectively identified consecutive patients diagnosed with stage IB2-IVA biopsy-proven cervical cancer. Eligible patients included those who were candidates for treatment with radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy and had no evidence of para-aortic lymphadenopathy (all lymph nodes < 2 cm in diameter) by preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography and laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy. All lymph nodes were assessed for metastasis by routine hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining. Ultrastaging (serial sectioning) and immunohistochemical analysis were performed in H&E-negative specimens. Results Thirteen (22%) of 60 consecutive patients had para-aortic lymph node metastases detected on routine H&E staining. Of the remaining 47 patients, one (2.1%) had evidence of micrometastasis, which was detected by ultrastaging. This patient completed whole pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy but had a recurrence 27 months after completion of therapy. Conclusions The rate of para-aortic node micrometastasis in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer is low. The role of routine ultrastaging and immunohistochemical analysis in such patients remains uncertain. Future studies are needed to determine the clinical impact of para-aortic node micrometastasis in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Pretherapeutic Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Staging of Bulky or Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

To assess the safety, feasibility, and impact on survival of extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the staging of patients with bulky or locally advanced cervical cancer. Between August 2001 and October 2009, 87 consecutive patients (median age 5 years) with bulky or locally advanced cervical cancer underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic infrarenal aortic and common iliac dissection as a pretherapeutic staging procedure. Data on pathologic findings, details of surgery, postoperative complications, and disease status at follow-up were collected. The median operating time was 150 min (range 60-255 min). The mean (± standard deviation) para-aortic nodal yield was 15.5 ± 8.1 (range 4-62). In none of the patients, conversion to the transperitoneal approach or laparotomy was necessary. Histological examination revealed metastasis in 13 patients (macroscopic disease 10, microscopic disease 3). After a median follow-up of 33.4 months (range 13.3-65.9 months), 73.6% of patients were free of disease and 1.1% were alive with disease, 19.5% died from cervical cancer, and 3.3% died from other causes. After a follow-up of 3 years, no deaths or recurrences were documented, with an overall survival rate of 74.8% (95% CI 62.8%-83.4%) and disease-free survival of 86% (95% CI 74.7%-92.5%). There were no significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival between patients with positive and negative para-aortic lymph nodes. The extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for pretherapeutic surgical staging in cervical cancer is a safe and feasible procedure that should be considered as a tool to identify lymph node positive patients who require extended-field radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Approach for Diagnosis and Treatment of Aortic Lymph Node Recurrence in Gynecologic Malignancy

Objective To estimate the safety and feasibility of extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach for the diagnosis and treatment of paraaortic lymph node recurrence in gynecologic cancers. Material and Methods Between December 2002 and September 2009, 15 patients underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy for suspected isolated lymph node recurrence in the Gynecologic Oncology Unit of Hospital Vall d'Hebron. The suspected diagnosis of recurrence was performed with computed tomography scanning, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scanning, or magnetic resonance imaging. Results The median age of patients was 63 years (range 42–75). The median body mass index was 28.5 Kg/m 2 (range 18–38). The median operative time was 157.5 minutes (range 120–240). The median blood loss was 70 mL (range 30–150). The mean nodal yield was 7.7 ± 5.3 (range 1–16). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 2–13). There was 1 conversion to laparotomy. There was only 1 postoperative complication, a lymphorrhea that was resolved with drainage. Recurrence was confirmed in the pathologic study in 13 of the 15 patients. Conclusion The extraperitoneal laparoscopic surgical approach is a feasible and safe procedure for the diagnosis of paraaortic lymph node recurrences of gynecologic cancers. The previous abdominal surgeries or treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and high body mass index are not a problem. The low complication rate, low blood loss and low hospitalization allow a rapid recovery of the patients, which in turn, allows the rapid onset of adjuvant therapy. Complete debulking of suspicious lymphadenopathy offers an exact diagnosis of malignancy, and it may have a therapeutic benefit in the case of being positive.

Port-site Metastasis after Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Paraaortic Lymphadenectomy for Stage IIb Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

We report a case of port-site metastasis near the optic trocar site after extraperitoneal laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for cervical carcinoma. A 42-year-old woman with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics clinical stage IIb squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix was evaluated with laparoscopic extraperitoneal paraaortic lymphadenectomy for staging. The aortic nodes were positive. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Then brachytherapy was performed. The patient was treated with 6 cycles of weekly topotecan. At month 12, a 4-cm left retroperitoneal mass was detected and excised. Pathologic examination showed an invasive squamous cell carcinoma with tumor-positive margins. Laparoscopic surgery for cancer may result in iatrogenic metastases at the port sites. But all of the port-site recurrence can not be explained by current factors leading to tumor metastases.

Extra-peritoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy — A prospective cohort study of 293 patients with endometrial cancer

Objective To determine if extra-peritoneal laparoscopic para-aortic (PA) lymphadenectomy allows a reliable assessment of PA nodes in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). Methods In October of 2005, a single surgeon began performing extra-peritoneal laparoscopic PA lymphadenectomy for patients with EC. A prospective cohort study was initiated from October 2005 through October 2007. Staging of Group A included extra-peritoneal laparoscopic PA lymphadenectomy, while Group B underwent staging via laparotomy. Results In a 24 month period, 293 patients underwent surgical treatment for EC, 203 of them underwent complete staging as determined by previously published criteria. Extra-peritoneal laparoscopic PA lymphadenectomy to the renal veins was successful in 35/38 patients (92%). Mean BMI was 33.0 for Group A and 32.3 for Group B ( p = NS). Mean EBL and hospital stay were lower in Group A compared to Group B (163 vs 373 cm 3, p < 0.0001; median 2 vs 4 nights, p < 0.001). The total number of PA nodes harvested was not statistically different between Groups A and B (16.5 vs 19.6). Interestingly, in Group A the total number of PA nodes was greater for patients with BMI > 35, (21.6 vs 13.1), while in Group B fewer nodes were removed in obese patients (17.8 vs 20.5). Conclusions Extra-peritoneal laparoscopy is a reliable method to routinely reach the level of the renal veins, even in obese patients. This approach was feasible in over 90% of unselected patients and well-tolerated.

Usefulness of extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy for lymph node recurrence in gynecologic malignancy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy for suspected lymph node recurrence of gynecological cancers. Descriptive study. Unit of Gynecologic Oncology of an acute-care teaching hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Between December 2002 and October 2007, eight women underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy for suspected lymph node recurrence, detected by magnetic resonance image (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan or 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. The suspicious nodes were removed through an extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach. The median age of patients was 66.5 years (range: 54-74). The median operating time was 157.5 minutes (range: 120-240). The median blood loss was 112.5 mL (range: 50-150). The mean nodal yield was 9.4+/-4.72 (range: 1-16). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was two days. Histological examination revealed metastasis in seven of eight patients. The extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy for lymph node recurrence of gynecological cancers is a safe and feasible procedure which should be considered where there is isolated involvement of retroperitoneal lymph nodes. This procedure is a minimally invasive technique that allows an excellent approach to the paraaortic lymph nodes.

Lymphadénectomie lombo-aortique cœlioscopique par voie extrapéritonéale gauche : morbidité et apprentissage de la technique

Objective Description of the morbidity and the learning curve of the left extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecologic cancers. Patients and methods Retrospective study of patients treated with the left extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy between August 1999 and January 2005. Duration of surgery, per and post-operative complications, duration of the hospital stay, number of retrieved nodes, and pathologic results were studied. A comparative analysis of the results was performed between trained and training surgeons. Results Eighty-one patients were planned for the left extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The major indication (90% of cases) was advanced cervical carcinomas (stage IB2 and more). The median number of retrieved nodes was 14, with a mean operative time of 109 minutes. The median hospital stay was 3 days. Two major complications related to the surgical technique were observed: a laceration of the inferior vena cava and an acute abdominal syndrome. Seven lymphocysts (8.6%) were observed (with associated symptoms in 2 cases). Trained surgeons to the technique displayed higher success rate of this surgical technique and higher number of retrieved lymph nodes. Discussion and conclusions The left extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy allows the accurate staging and management of patients with gynecologic cancers and mainly women affected by advanced cervical carcinoma. The surgical technique is safe and reproducible when performed by trained surgeons.

Extraperitoneal laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy as a diagnostic procedure for lymph node recurrence of gynaecological cancers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for lymph node recurrence of gynecological cancers. Seven patients underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomies for suspected lymph node recurrence, detected by magnetic resonance image or CT scan. The suspicious nodes were removed through an extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach. The median age of patients was 51 years (range: 39-67). The median operating time was 207 min (range 120-300). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The median nodal yield was 7.3 (range: 1-15). The median hospital stay was 2.5 days (range: 2-3). Histological examination revealed metastasis in 6 of the 7 patients. The extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for lymph node recurrence of gynecological cancers is a safe and feasible procedure which should be considered in the case of possible recurrence.