Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 44, Issue 4 , Pages 301-313, December 2005

Role of Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy in the Management of Cervical Cancer

  • Kung-Liahng Wang

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr. Kung-Liahng Wang, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 92, Section 2, Chung-Shan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, and Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei, Taiwan

Received 16 August 2005; received in revised form 19 August 2005; accepted 19 August 2005.

Article Outline

Summary

Cervical cancer is the most prevalent genital tract neoplasm in Taiwan. Generally speaking, surgical staging is superior to clinical staging since histologic verification of tumor extent correlates better with the biologic behavior of disease. However, a major shortcoming of surgical staging by laparotomy is not only its association with high morbidity and prolonged recovery time, but also the development of postoperative peritoneal adhesions. Adhesion formation limits the mobility of the intestinal loops and exposes them to excess irradiation. The ability to prevent postoperative peritoneal adhesions is the impetus behind the ongoing investigation into the use of laparoscopic surgery. This outstanding feature of laparoscopy is extremely significant in the management of patients with cervical cancer, who are subjected to radiotherapy after lymphadenectomy. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, either partial (lymph node sampling) or complete, leads to minimal postoperative peritoneal adhesions and permits accurate assessment of the extent of disease for cervical cancer patients with early or advanced disease. This paper reviews recent reports and updates available information concerning the current practice of laparoscopic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in the management of cervical cancer. Various aspects of laparoscopic lymphadenectomy and its clinical role are addressed here, including complications and any controversial issues.

Key Words:  extraperitoneal , gynecologic cancer , laparoscopic lymphadenectomy , laparoscopic surgery , laparoscopy , retroperitoneal

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PII: S1028-4559(09)60162-5

doi:10.1016/S1028-4559(09)60162-5

Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 44, Issue 4 , Pages 301-313, December 2005

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