The current role of laparoscopic surgery in gynecological oncology

Transabdominal laparotomy is currently the standard approach to the surgical diagnosis and treatment of gynecological malignancies. Despite the fact that laparoscopy has been widely embraced by our gynecological/infertility colleagues for many years, it has only sporadically been utilized by gynecological oncologists. With the advent of video laparoscopy, novel instrumentation, and new techniques, a reevaluation of the applicability of this procedure is certainly in order. To date, laparoscopy has been employed for the performance of a multitude of intra-abdominal procedures. However, universal applicability may not be feasible or in the best interest of all patients with gynecological malignancies. As instrumentation and techniques evolve, it is possible that procedures currently nonamenable to the laparoscopic approach may become so. However, it is wise to approach these new procedures with healthy skepticism, and within the context of proper scientific study. This article summarizes the status of laparoscopic surgery in gynecological oncology.