Laparoscopic Para-aortic Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Gynecologic Malignancy

Hur, J Y; Lee, J K; Kim, C Y; Suh, H S; Park, Y K; Chough, S Y; Ju, K S

Abstract

Accurate evaluation of para-aortic lymph node metastasis is important in planning treatment of gynecologic malignancies. For example, geographic treatment failure can be prevented by accurate staging in advanced cervical cancer. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic para-aortic lymph node dissection as a staging procedure in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Eight patients had underwent laparoscopic para-aortic lymph node dissection from May, 1995 to August, 1996. The average operative time was 141 minutes and the mean estimated blood loss was 260 ml. An average of 5.9 lymph nodes was retrieved. Hospital stays ranged from 2days to 3days, with an average of 2.1days. There were no serious complications. Nodal metastasis was diagnosed in one patient whom had negative findings in computerized tomography (CT)scans prior to surgery. In conclusion, laparoscopic para-aortic lymph node dissection appears to be a safe and feasible staging procedure for the patients with gynecologic malignancies and it is an attractive and alternative to traditional surgical staging.