[Experience of laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in 10 patients]

From November 1991 through January 1993, we performed laparoscopic lymphadenectomy on 10 patients. These patients were aged 54 to 77 years. All laparoscopic procedures were performed under general anesthesia. We dissected obturator lymph nodes on bilateral side. Total operation time ranged from 127 to 325 minutes. We could excise 3 to 9 lymph nodes on right side and 0 to 10 lymph nodes on left side. Blood loss was 180 ml in one patient, but minimal in the remaining 9 patients. Ureteral injury occurred during laparoscopic procedure in one patient. This injury could be managed with laparoscopic and cystoscopic procedure. Postoperatively complications were observed in 5 procedures, which consisted of subcutaneous emphysema in 2 procedures, fever (over 38 degrees C) in 2, shoulder and arm pain in 1, ileus in 1. The patient with ileus complained of abdominal fullness but he was able to ingest. All patients resumed their preoperative activity by postoperative day 3 to 5. We believe that this procedure was safe and useful for decision making in the management of our patients. We need further study on indications and techniques for this procedure.