Advanced Laparoscopy For Gynecological Malignancies

By Paul MacKoul, MD, FACOG

Advanced laparoscopy has been proven to be highly successful when applied to patients with GYN malignancy, and should be offered as an option to traditional open surgical procedures for patients diagnosed with uterine, cervical, or early stage ovarian cancer.
Laparoscopic procedures are greatly underutilized by GYN Oncologists in the Washington metropolitan area for uterine and cervical cancer. The main reason has to do with the difficulty of the procedures and the steep learning curve to master node dissection and retroperitoneal dissection laparoscopically.
It is important to note that both the Society of GYN oncologists and the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) have supported the use of laparoscopic techniques in the management of GYN malignancy. GOG protocols and published references have shown that laparoscopic procedures, such as hysterectomy with node dissection for uterine cancer, are an excellent alternative to open abdominal surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery for GYN malignancy, performed by physicians with training in advanced procedures, produce excellent results and offer advantages to open surgery such as reduced hospital stays, shorter recovery periods and minimal blood loss. If chemotherapy is indicated, most patients can begin treatment within a few days of an advanced laparoscopic procedure instead of waiting weeks for wound healing, which is necessary after open abdominal surgery before one begins chemotherapy.
Advanced laparoscopy is a viable and successful alternative to open surgical procedures for patients with GYN malignancy, and should be considered for patients diagnosed with uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer. Although these procedures may not be applied to all patients, those patients that do have the option of undergoing laparoscopic management benefit greatly from this approach regarding postoperative recovery, pain control, blood loss, adequacy of the procedure, timeliness with start of adjuvant therapy, and overall satisfaction.
Recent advances in technology have made these procedures even more feasible for use in GYN malignancy. A board-certified gynecological oncologist with in-depth training and experience in advanced laparoscopic techniques can provide you
and your doctor with the best assessment of whether you are a candidate for this approach. Take the time
to seek out these experts. Ask questions and know all of your options. Then you will be assured that the treatment plan you decide to follow is the best plan for your medical condition and recovery.