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Women's Services Encyclopedia

Laparoscopy and Cancer

The use of laparoscopy in the treatment, evaluation and staging of cancers of the female reproductive tract is one that is constantly evolving.

Although its use is well-recognized in some situations, it is not indicated in all situations.

Individuals who are overweight (based on height and weight) may not qualify for a laparoscopic approach.

The following gives a general overview but each patient’s situation is unique and must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Cervical Cancer

  • Node Sampling: to aid in determining the extent of tumoral spread so that radiation treatment can be more accurately directed. It also has been used therapeutically to remove enlarged nodes, but this is a controversial area.
  • To aid in the placement of radioactive needles for individuals with large tumors.
  • To convert an abdominal approach to a vaginal hysterectomy in individuals with early stage tumors who are appropriate candidates.

Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

For surgical staging and treatment in individuals who are candidates and whose body size is appropriate (based on height and weight), they may qualify for a laparoscopic hysterectomy, removal of the tubes and ovaries, and lymphadenectomy.

Ovarian Cancer

  • Evaluation of anexal masses.
  • In selected individuals who are unexpectedly found to have a small cancer of the ovary when the ovary was removed for other reasons, complete staging to determine if chemotherapy is required.
  • To document or rule out recurrent disease.

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