Feasibility of Laparoscopic Radical Colpectomy in Locally Advanced Vaginal Cancer: A Case Report and Literature...

Objectives: Due to the rarity of primary vaginal carcinoma, standardized treatment approaches are limited. Radical surgery is rare, especially in advanced stages. This report evaluates the feasibility, technical aspects and outcomes of laparoscopic en bloc resection in advanced vaginal carcinoma. Case presentation: A 67-year-old woman presented with pain and vaginal bleeding. Clinical examination revealed a stenosing vaginal tumour up to 2 cm above the introitus, extending to the urethra and right vulva. Biopsies confirmed invasive squamous cell carcinoma with VAIN/VIN III. Imaging revealed enlarged pelvic lymph nodes, but no distant metastases. Methods: The surgical procedure comprised laparoscopic en bloc resection, including bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and total vaginal excision down to the pelvic floor. Additionally, inguinal bilateral ICG-guided sentinel lymph node dissection, vulvectomy with clitoral preservation, and partial urethral resection were performed, followed by transvaginal specimen removal. Vaginal closure was achieved via combined transvaginal and laparoscopic pelvic floor reconstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful, with early recovery of urinary and bowel function. Final histology confirmed complete tumor resection with clear margins (pT3, pN0, L0, V0, Pn0, R0). Functional outcomes remained excellent, with no recurrence or functional impairment at one-year follow-up. Conclusions: Laparoscopic en bloc resection appears to be a feasible option for selected patients with locally advanced vaginal carcinoma, enabling complete tumour removal with preservation of pelvic floor function and resulting in favourable postoperative and oncological outcomes.