Single-port laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Para-aortic lymphadenectomy is a critical component in the staging and treatment of gynecologic cancers.
• Traditional open or multi-port laparoscopic approaches can be associated with significant morbidity.
• The development of single-port surgery offers potential benefits in reducing surgical trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of a novel single-port extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique for para-aortic lymphadenectomy.
• To evaluate the oncologic outcomes and patient recovery in gynecologic cancer patients undergoing this procedure.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 7 patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing single-port extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy.
• Utilized a single 2.5-cm incision for the extraperitoneal approach.
• Combined with conventional laparoscopy for hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in 6 patients.

Main Results:

• Complete aortic lymph node dissection was achieved in all patients without intraoperative or postoperative complications.
• The median number of retrieved para-aortic nodes was 17.
• The median operative time was 204 minutes, with a median hospital stay of 4 days.

Conclusions:

• Single-port laparoscopic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy is a feasible and safe surgical option for select gynecologic cancer patients.
• This technique may offer advantages in terms of reduced invasiveness and potentially faster recovery.