Laparoscopic technology for the treatment of endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer remains the leading gynecologic cancer in the United States accounting for 32,800 new cases in 2004 with 5900 deaths [1]. Historically, treatment of endometrial cancer has consisted of surgery combined with radiation on chemotherapy for selected individuals with intermediate or high-risk disease based on surgical staging and histology. This has produced excellent outcomes, but may also result in significant patient morbidity. Laparoscopic techniques and equipment have matured over the last 15 years and are now widely used to treat many endometrial cancers and other gynecologic malignancies, thereby potentially reducing postoperative morbidity while producing outcomes equivalent to those of laparotomy. We will present an overview of the laparoscopic approach to endometrial cancer, focusing on outcomes, techniques and strategies to deal with some of the challenges encountered with this patient population.