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Updated: May 30, 2026
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy
Published on: August 19, 2021
Total laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) hysterectomy in low-risk early endometrial cancer: a pilot study
Francesco Fanfani1, Cristiano Rossitto, Maria Lucia Gagliardi
1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, L.go A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. francesco.fanfani@rm.unicatt.it
Background:
In the last few years, technical advances have produced a dramatic shift from traditional open surgery toward a minimally invasive approach, even in oncological procedures. We present our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in the surgical treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer patients.
Methods:
Between July 2009 and May 2010, 20 consecutive low-risk early endometrial cancer patients were enrolled in this single institution prospective cohort trial.
Results:
The median age of the patients was 57 years (range = 42-68) and median body mass index was 24 kg/m(2) (range = 21-30). Median operative time was 105 min (range = 85-155) and median estimated blood loss was 20 ml (range = 10-180). The larger skin and fascial incision required for the single-port approach was 2.5 cm (median = 2.2 cm; range = 2.0-2.5). No laparoscopic/laparotomic conversion was registered, and no insertion of additional ports was necessary. Median ileus was 16 h (range = 12-20) and median time to discharge was 1 day (range = 1-2). All patients were completely satisfied with the cosmetic results and postoperative pain control.
Conclusions:
Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery could represent a surgical option for extra-fascial hysterectomy in early-stage endometrial cancer patients, with the potential to further decrease invasiveness of the conventional laparoscopic approach.
