Gynecologic Cancer Surgery
Uterine Cancer
Early stage cancers of the uterus can be approached laparoscopically. The entire surgery can be performed through three small 5mm abdominal incisions. This includes removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries and lymph nodes (hysterectomy, bilateral salpingoophorectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy). Postoperative discomfort is minimal and allows discharge to home on the same day as surgery.
The patient in this video presented with postmenopausal uterine spotting. Pathologic evaluation of the uterus after surgery revealed a low grade, minimally invasive tumor. Additional postoperative radiation and chemotherapy was not required.
Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
If the patient described above had any of a number of high risk pathologic findings at the time of her laparoscopic hysterectomy she would undergo a concurrent pelvic lymphadenectomy. Lymph nodes in the pelvis are removed and scrutinized by a pathologist for any evidence of metastatic cancer cells. If any are found then the patient would require additional treatment after surgery consisting of radiation or chemotherapy.
Advanced Cancers
Advanced and recurrent gynecologic malignancies often are first seen in the abdominal cavity as in the videos shown. Resection of tumor can often be accomplished using minimally invasive techniques. Once verified, recurrent and advanced cancers can be often successfully treated using advanced, cutting-edge techniques.