Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies: Evaluation of the surgical approach and outcomes over a sevenyear experience

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecologic malignancies and improve upon the existing published data regarding laparoscopic lymphadenectomy. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 225 patients with various gynecologic malignancies who had undergone laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPL) and/or laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LPAL) at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital between November 2003 and October 2010. Results One hundred and seventy-two patients underwent both LPL and LPAL, 47 patients underwent LPL alone, and six patients underwent a repeat laparoscopic lymphadenectomy. The median age and body mass index of the patients were 49.4 years (range 23-79 years) and 24.2 kg/m2 (range 17.5-37.2 kg/m2). The median numbers of harvested pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes were 25.9 (range 3-63) and 10.6 (range 1-34), respectively. The median operating times for the LPL and LPAL were 72.3 min (range 40-120 min) and 40 min (range 20-70 min), respectively. There were seven cases of major vessel injuries, two lymphocytes, two lymphedemas, and two chylous ascites. There was no unplanned conversion to laparotomy. Conclusions Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy can be considered a technically feasible and safe procedure and has become the alternative modality in the field of gynecologic oncology surgery. And our results could reinforce the existing published data regarding laparoscopic lymphadenectomy.