Objective: To determine the feasibility of laparoscopic staging in patients with presumed early stage but incompletely surgically staged adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.
Methods: Thirteen patients with incompletely staged adenocarcinoma of the endometrium underwent laparoscopic staging. The women ranged in age from 36-74 years (mean age 64) and weighed 132-201 lb (mean 147.5). The interval between hysterectomy and laparoscopic staging ranged from 14-63 days, for an average of 47. All patients underwent inspection of the entire intraperitoneal cavity, procurement of pelvic washings, and/or pelvic or para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and two patients had remaining ovaries removed.
Results: Extrauterine disease was found in three patients: One had intraperitoneal washings positive for adenocarcinoma, and two had pelvic lymph nodes positive for microscopic carcinoma. The average number of lymph nodes removed was 17.5. There were no intraoperative complications. Estimated blood loss averaged less than 50 mL, and the mean hospital stay was 1.5 days.
Conclusion: Our initial experience indicates that this is a safe, effective procedure that offers a short hospital stay. We consider laparoscopic staging an attractive option for some patients with incompletely staged early adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.