Using a vaginal tube to exteriorize lymph nodes during a laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy

Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for gynecological malignancy involves mobilizing and exteriorizing the lymph nodes. We removed the nodes by passing a 4- to 5-cm-diameter tube through the vagina to the abdomen following the hysterectomy. The nodes were passed through the tube rather than pulled through the abdominal ports. The tube is easy to insert and is a valuable conduit for exteriorizing tissue during laparoscopic pelvic surgery for gynecological cancer.