Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with intermediate-risk endometrial cancer: Is it worth it?

The main aim of this study is to evaluate operative and postoperative morbidity of laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy as well as its potential impact on the postoperative management in patients with an intermediate-risk of endometrial cancer.

We did a retrospective study between January 2009 and December 2013. We included all patients operated by laparoscopy for endometrial cancer presumed to have an intermediate-risk of recurrence. Pelvic lymphadenectomy in this group of patients was performed at the discretion of operating surgeons. Patients were consequently divided into two groups according to whether or not pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed. We made a comparative analysis between these two groups.

Overall, 116 patients were managed for endometrial cancer presumed to be intermediate-risk. Among these, 93 received treatment with laparoscopy and were included in the study. Patients' characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The mean duration of surgery was significantly longer when pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed. The average number of retrieved lymph nodes was 13 and we had seven patients with positive lymph nodes (10%).

Pelvic lymphadenectomy allows a better postoperative classification for some patients without more complication.