Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Endometrial Cancer

To demonstrate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using a laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) approach in endometrial cancer (EC).

A step-by-step video demonstration of the surgical procedure (Canadian Task Force Classification III).

The satisfaction of patients who undergo LESS hysterectomy is greater than that reported by patients who undergo multiport laparoscopic hysterectomy, owing to better cosmesis and reduced postoperative analgesic requirements [1]. SLN biopsy is associated with significantly lower estimated blood loss, shorter operation time, and less morbidity compared with systematic lymphadenectomy [2]. LESS surgery can be more feasible and safer with the use of SLN biopsy compared with complete lymphadenectomy in patients with early-stage EC.

This 69-year-old woman with grade 2 endometrioid EC underwent SLN mapping followed by LESS SLN biopsy, total hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Before the umbilical incision was made, 1.25 mg/mL of indocyanine green was injected into the cervical stroma at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions to both deep and superficial levels. A 10-mm 30° standard-length optical camera for near-infrared fluorescence imaging was used. The total operative time was 75 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 20 mL. SLNs were detected bilaterally between proximal parts of the external iliac arteries and veins. After SLN resection, total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. No postoperative complications occurred. The patient was discharged at 30 hours after surgery. In the final pathology, stage 1A G2 EC was detected.

LESS SLN biopsy and TLH-BSO is a feasible procedure and sentinel lymph node concept may increase the use of LESS in EC.