Laparoscopic Surgery in Endometrial Carcinoma

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries. The overall 5-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with this disease is estimated to be approximately 80%. The standard management of patients with early-stage endometrial cancer is total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, depending on risk factors. The evolution of minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery, has established such approaches as the current standard of care. Among the proven benefits of the minimally invasive approach are lower rates of blood loss and transfusions, shorter length of stay, and lower rates of postoperative complications. In addition, a minimally invasive approach is equivalent in oncologic outcomes when compared to an open approach. Given these benefits, a laparoscopic or robotic approach should be the recommended surgical approach in the management of patients with early-stage endometrial cancer.