Laparoscopy and gynecologic cancer: is it still necessary to debate or only convince the incredulous?]

Many papers suggested that laparoscopic treatment of cancer could be achieved and taught safely. Although cases reports about trocar site metastasis and national survey about inadequate management of early ovarian cancer suggested that laparoscopic management of cancer may be dangerous. The current literature may be summarized as follows. An inadequate surgical management performed by laparoscopy as well as by laparotomy may worsen the prognosis of an early ovarian cancer. If the abdominal wall is protected with a bag and the tumour is not morcellated, the incidence of trocar site site metastasis is about 1%. Animal studies demonstrated that the laparoscopic management of cancer has both advantages and disadvantages. Preliminary results from prospective randomised trials in the treatment of colon cancer suggested that the survival rate is similar after laparoscopy and after laparotomy. The risk of dissemination appears high when a large number of malignant cells are present in patients operated using an increased abdominal pressure and a CO2 pneumoperitoneum. These data suggest that laparoscopic treatment of gynaecologic cancer is not dangerous if an adequate surgical technique is used. However morcellation of suspicious solid tumours, treatment of adnexal tumours with external vegetations but without peritoneal dissemination and of bulky lymph nodes should be considered as contra-indications to CO2 laparoscopy, puncture of an ovarian tumour with intracystic vegetations is a high risk situation which should be avoided whenever possible.     

腹腔镜在附件包块治疗中的价值和安全性(附2083例报道)

目的:评价腹腔镜在附件包块治疗中的价值及安全性。方法:回顾分析2000年1月至2003年12月北京协和医院术前诊断为良性附件包块2083例的腹腔镜手术治疗情况。患者平均33.4±8.9岁,绝经后妇女占1.8%。术中怀疑卵巢恶性肿瘤者送冰冻病理检查。计算腹腔镜术中诊断卵巢恶性肿瘤的敏感性(SEN)、特异性(SPE)、阳性预测值(PPV)及阴性预测值(NPV)。结果:2 083例患者中,2 067例为良性肿瘤,16例(0.77%)患者为卵巢交界性肿瘤(LMP)或卵巢癌,其中14例LMP及卵巢癌在术中确诊,2例卵巢癌术后确诊。55例(2.6%)患者术中可疑恶性送冰冻病理检查,检查结果为良性肿瘤41例(74.5%),LMP 8例(14.5%),卵巢癌6例(10.9%)。术后病理结果:良性肿瘤41例(74.5%),LMP 7例(12.7%),卵巢癌7例(12.7%)。术中冰冻与术后病理的符合率为98.2%。腹腔镜诊断卵巢恶性肿瘤的SEN为87.5%、SPE为98%、PPV为25.5%、NPV为99.9%。卵巢良性肿瘤2 067例,均进行了卵巢囊肿剔除术、附件切除术等。无中转开腹或围手术期并发症。16例LMP或卵巢癌患者中,7例行腹腔镜手术包括3例腹腔镜分期手术。16例患者术后平均随诊17.3月。1例LMP一侧附件切除术后4年对侧卵巢出现交界性肿瘤,行腹腔镜囊肿剔除术,其余病例均无复发征象。结论:腹腔镜可作为术前诊断为良性的附件包块的首选手术方式,术中意外发现卵巢LMP或者恶性肿瘤的机会较低。对可疑恶性的卵巢肿瘤,术中应进行冰冻病理检查。     

Risk of spread of ovarian cancer after laparoscopic surgery

The incidence of the spread of ovarian cancer after laparoscopic surgery is difficult to establish from the current literature. The prognosis incidence of a trocar site metastasis without peritoneal dissemination is not known. Data from general surgeons in prospective studies from a single institution suggested that in colon cancer the risk is low, whereas it seems to be much higher in multicentric studies of undiagnosed gallbladder cancer. Experimental studies suggested that laparoscopy has advantages and disadvantages. However, the risk of dissemination is high when a large number of malignant cells and a carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum are present, a situation encountered when managing adnexal tumours with large vegetations. Animal studies will allow the development of a peritoneal environment adapted to the treatment of cancer. The ovary is an intraperitoneal organ and ovarian cancer a peritoneal disease, so the risk of peritoneal spread may be higher in ovarian cancer than in other gynecological cancers. A careful preoperative evaluation appears to be the best way to prevent these risks. It should also be used to choose which patient should be operated by which surgical team. The second step is a careful and cautious laparoscopic diagnosis, so that more than 98% of ovarian cancers encountered can be treated immediately and effectively. The laparoscopic management of ovarian cancer remains controversial; it should be performed only in prospective clinical trials. Until the results of such studies become available, an immediate vertical midline laparotomy remains the gold standard if a cancer is encountered.     

Is preoperative selection of patients with cystic adnexal masses essential for laparoscopic treatment?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To analyze indications for preoperative selection of patients with cystic adnexal masses to be treated by laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University and military hospitals. PATIENTS: Three hundred sixteen women with adnexal masses. INTERVENTION: Before laparoscopy, 214 patients underwent evaluation (size of adnexal mass, ultrasonographic image, CA 125, suspicious clinical diagnosis); in 102 women laparoscopies were performed without taking these factors into account. MEASUREMENTS and MAIN RESULTS: In the first center 99% of women were treated by laparoscopic surgery. One (0.4%) tumor of low malignant potential detected by deferred biopsy was operated on. In the second center 98% of cases were performed laparoscopically. In 3.9% of women carcinomas were detected intraoperatively and were treated by laparotomy (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is appropriate management of cystic adnexal masses, with a very low risk of unintentionally operating an ovarian carcinoma if a thorough preoperative evaluation is conducted. Only in centers where surgeons have enough training to cope with ovarian cancer may this evaluation be deferred, since conversion to laparotomy should be considered a second therapeutic step, and not an incorrect indication for laparoscopy. In centers where surgeons have no such training, strict preoperative selection of patients is mandatory     

Laparoscopic management of selected adnexal masses.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance, safety, and intraoperative and immediate postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic management of adnexal masses thought to be at low risk for malignancy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary-care teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred twenty women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic treatment including cystectomy, oophorectomy, adnexectomy, and peritoneal cytology, and, if necessary, frozen sections. A histologic diagnosis was obtained in every patient. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Only one ovarian cancer and one borderline ovarian tumor were diagnosed by histologic examination, and both were managed by laparotomy. The remaining 218 patients had laparoscopy for benign adnexal masses. CONCLUSION: Operative laparoscopy with the finding of incidental ovarian malignancy is rare, as shown by pathologic examination. With appropriate preoperative evaluation, laparoscopic surgery is technically feasible, safe, and advantageous, with minimal morbidity, and should replace laparotomy in the management of most adnexal masses. (J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 6(3):313-316, 1999)     

Laparoscopy and Ovarian Cancer: A Paradigm Change in the Management of Ovarian Cancer?

A MEDLINE search was conducted using the keywords “laparoscopy ovarian cancer,” “laparoscopy and borderline ovarian tumors,” “advanced stage ovarian cancer,” “laparoscopic cytoreduction ovarian cancer,” “laparoscopy intraperitoneal catheter,” “port-site metastases,” and “carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum.” The publications were further limited to English-language articles, those addressing adnexal mass management, early stage ovarian cancer, and advanced stage ovarian cancer treatments.The articles were divided into 4 broad categories: adnexal masses, low malignant potential tumors, early stage ovarian cancer, and advanced ovarian cancer. For each category, a further subdivision into case reports, case series, and finally cohorts was developed and summarized. Additional articles were obtained based on the bibliographic cross-reference of the initial articles reviewed.The current literature defining the role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer is limited to case reports, case series, and cohort studies. However, these limited studies suggest equal efficacy of laparoscopy compared with laparotomy in both early and advanced stage ovarian cancer.     

Laparoscopic Treatment of Mixed Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor in a 16-Year-Old Female Adolescent

BackgroundMalignant ovarian germ cell tumors are rare entities, although they account for a large proportion of ovarian masses in young women. These tumors have traditionally been removed via laparotomy, because of their large size and solid nature. The use of laparoscopy for treatment of adnexal masses in adolescents has been heavily debated and poorly studied to date.CaseA 16-year-old female patient presented with abdominal pain and an 11-cm adnexal mass on ultrasound. An emergent laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy was performed without complication. Pathology revealed a mixed malignant ovarian germ cell tumor.Summary and ConclusionLaparoscopic fertility-sparing surgery offers many benefits over laparotomy, and should be considered in cases of young women with large adnexal masses, even if potential for malignancy exists.     

Conversion of laparoscopy to laparotomy due to adnexal malignancy

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present report was to assess the conversion rate from laparoscopy to laparotomy due to adnexal malignancy and to identify factors that might assist in the selection of the appropriate operative approach in patients with suspicious adnexal masses. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of women who underwent laparoscopy due to ultrasonically complex adnexal masses. Ninety-five consecutive patients fulfilling these criteria, were identified. A comparison of patients with benign tumors who had laparoscopy only to those with invasive malignancies in whom laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy was performed. RESULTS: Malignancy was diagnosed in 18 (18.9%) patients. In 13 patients with malignancy (two borderline and 11 invasive), comprising 72.2% of the malignancies and 13.7% of the total group with complex adnexal masses, the laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy. Age of more than 50 years and a serum CA125 level above 35 U/ml were significantly more common in the malignant than in the benign group (90.9% vs. 15.6% and 63.6% vs. 11.6%, respectively; p < 0.0001 and p < 0.003, respectively). When both factors were present, the sensitivity and specificity for malignancy were 73.3% and 93.2%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values 73.3% and 95.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: When an ultrasonically complex adnexal mass is encountered, predictive factors for malignancy should be taken into account before the mode of intervention is chosen. The conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy because of an invasive malignant tumor is acceptable, if it is performed immediately and a gynecologic oncologist is on stand-by.     

Laparoscopy as the Most Effective Tool for Management of Postmenopausal Complex Adnexal Masses When Expectancy is Not Advisable

Postmenopausal women with adnexal masses suspicious for malignancy must undergo surgery for histopathologic confirmation. The low positive predictive value for malignancy of the currently available preoperative examinations results in 5 to 220 surgeries performed for each case of pelvic malignancy detected, depending on the evaluation method and patient selection. Although extensively reviewed as an effective tool for the investigation and treatment of adnexal masses, laparoscopy is still underused for this purpose in postmenopausal women. Some reasons are uncertainty about the incidental diagnosis of a malignant lesion during laparoscopy, concern about the effect of laparoscopy over the course of a pelvic malignant lesion, and inadequate referral of patients at high risk to specialized centers with oncologic gynecologists. Identification of patients at low risk might also be inadequate, causing them to undergo unnecessary laparotomy. Herein we demonstrate through a comprehensive literature review that laparoscopy is a highly effective tool for investigation and treatment of suspected adnexal masses in postmenopausal women, both in general medical settings without oncologic backup and in specialized centers. The indications for laparoscopy in this context can be further expanded without oncologic harm if patients at low and high risk are appropriately selected for surgery at general and specialized settings, respectively.     

Laparoscopic treatment of premenopausal patients with benign adnexal pathology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the laparoscopic approach to benign adnexal masses in 211 premenopausal patients selected with strict preoperative clinical and ultrasound diagnosed criteria. Most patients were successfully managed with operative laparoscopy (98.2%). Four patients underwent laparotomy (1.8%). The rate of unexpected adnexal malignancy was 0.48%. We believe that operative laparoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for treating most benign adnexal masses in premenopausal women. To reduce the possibility of encountering an unexpected malignancy when approaching an adnexal cyst by laparoscopy, appropriate preoperative selection of patient candidates for laparoscopic treatment is mandatory. If an unexpected malignancy arises during laparoscopy, a team with specific oncologic training should be available for a possible immediate staging laparotomy in order not to affect the patient’s prognosis.     

Frozen section in laparoscopic management of macroscopically suspicious ovarian masses

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study the usefulness of and applications for frozen section in the laparoscopic management of adnexal masses. DESIGN: Historical prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Large tertiary care hospital with university affiliation. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-one women undergoing laparoscopy for a suspicious adnexal mass. INTERVENTION: Adnexal masses suspicious on ultrasound were managed by laparoscopy. After laparoscopic diagnosis, frozen sections were used to confirm a diagnosis of malignancy. Treatment was performed by laparoscopy whenever feasible. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The results of frozen section were compared with the results of permanent sections, and the consequences of the intraoperative diagnosis on the surgical management were evaluated. The frozen section diagnosis was correct in 125 of the 141 patients (88.7%). In one patient, the result was false negative. Specifically, frozen section diagnosis was correct in 96.8% of cases when a cyst or biopsy was sent for pathologic examination and in 86.4% when the whole adnexa was sent. It was correct in 93% of the cases involving tumors smaller than 100 mm and in 74% of larger tumors. It was correct in 92.3% of the women younger than 50 years and in 81.6% of women older than age 50. Intraoperative pathologic diagnosis was correct in 95.5% of benign tumors, 77.8% of low-malignancy tumors, and 75% of cancer cases. CONCLUSION: Frozen section is a useful examination for surgical management decision making; however, the limitations and the difficulties should be taken into account.     

Laparoscopy and gynecologic cancer in 2005

All the surgical procedures, which may be required to treat a gynecologic cancer, can be performed endoscopically. However prospective randomized studies required to confirm the oncologic efficacy of the technique are still lacking in gynecology, whereas such studies are available in digestive surgery. Animal studies suggested that the risk of tumor dissemination in non traumatized peritoneum is higher after a pneumoperitoneum than after a laparotomy. Experimental studies also emphasized two points: the surgeon and the surgical technique are essential, all the parameters of the pneumoperitoneum may influence the postoperative dissemination. Changing these parameters we may, in the future, be able to create a peritoneal environment adapted to oncologic patients in order to prevent or to decrease the risks of peritoneal dissemination and/or of postoperative tumor growth. Until the results of prospective randomized studies become available, the preoperative selection of the patients and the surgical technique should be very strict. In patients with endometrial cancer, the laparoscopic approach should be reserved to clinical stage I disease, if the vaginal extraction is anticipated to be easy accounting for the volume of the uterus and the local conditions. In cervical cancer, the laparoscopic approach should be reserved to patients with favorable prognostic factors: stage IB of less than 2 cm in diameter. Laparoscopy is the gold standard for the surgical diagnosis of adnexal masses. But the puncture should be avoided whenever possible. The surgical treatment of invasive ovarian cancer should be performed by laparotomy whatever the stage. In contrast restaging of an early ovarian cancer initially managed as a benign mass, is a good indication of the laparoscopic approach. The laparoscopic management of low malignant potential tumors should include a complete staging of the peritoneum. Knowledge of the principles of endoscopy and of oncologic surgery is required. Teaching and diffusion of endoscopic oncological techniques are among the major challenges of gynecologic surgery within the next few years.     

The role of laparoscopy in ovarian tumors of low malignant potential and early-stage ovarian cancer

Although it is feasible today to perform laparoscopic surgical staging and treatment of ovarian low malignant potential tumors and early-stage ovarian cancer safely, it is still generally agreed that a patient with ovarian cancer should have a laparotomy. Concerns related to laparoscopy in managing gynecologic malignancy include the accuracy of intraoperative diagnosis, inadequate resection, significance of tumor spillage, improper or delay in surgical staging, delay in therapy, and the possibility of port-site metastasis. On the other hand, laparoscopy has the advantages of being a minimally invasive surgery, with shorter hospitalization, decreased postoperative pain, and quicker return to normal daily activities. We review the current literature discussing the consequences of laparoscopic surgery in ovarian tumors of low malignant potential and early-stage ovarian cancer. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to list the concerns related to laparoscopic management of ovarian malignancies, to outline the accuracy of the diagnosis of low malignant potential (LMP) ovarian tumors on frozen section, and to summarize the data on the effect of capsule rupture on overall prognosis for patients with ovarian cancer.     

Laparoscopic management of adnexal masses: a gold standard?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent literature on the laparoscopic management of adnexal masses, when this approach may be considered as a gold standard. RECENT FINDINGS: Cyst rupture was recently demonstrated to be a significant prognostic factor in stage I invasive epithelial carcinoma, and it was recommended to restrict the laparoscopic approach to patients with preoperative evidence that the cyst was benign. The laparoscopic approach is still highly controversial in masses suspicious at ultrasound. The limits of the laparoscopic approach are discussed reviewing recent literature and our experience. The laparoscopic management of adnexal masses appears to be safe in most hospitals even in developing countries. This approach is being used with increasing frequency in unusual indications such as newborns, children, adolescents and pregnant women. The learning curve for endoscopic surgery appears to be longer than expected. Many patients with benign adnexal masses, such as ovarian endometrioma, are still treated by laparotomy or with an inadequate endoscopic technique. Several studies have suggested that the stripping technique is a tissue-sparing procedure. SUMMARY: The laparoscopic puncture of malignant ovarian tumours confined to the ovaries is uncommon, and should be avoided whenever possible. The teaching of endoscopy is essential to promote adequate procedures performed according to the principles of microsurgery and to preserve postoperative ovarian physiology.     

Management of the Adnexal Mass

The methods for preoperative diagnosis and evaluation of the woman with a suspected ovarian neoplasm have evolved significantly with little or no impact on the surgical treatment, which remains removal of the abnormal ovary. Although most adnexal masses are benign, the primary goal of the diagnostic evaluation is the exclusion of malignancy. A complete history, physical examination, and ultrasonic imaging are vital in evaluating a suspected ovarian mass. In postmenopausal women, serum CA-125 determinations further improve sensitivity and specificity. Once the presence of an ovarian mass is established, the crucial decision is whether to observe the patient or proceed with surgical removal. If surgical removal is indicated, the proper procedure is important for staging and initiation of effective therapy. While many surgeons are now using the less invasive laparoscopic approach, the standard of care continues to be a laparotomy with either an ovarian cystectomy or oophorectomy. Future clinical research in the management of adnexal masses should focus on decreasing the number of patients undergoing a surgical procedure, and in patients who require surgery, further evaluation of laparoscopy as a safe, cost-effective means of treatment. Improved imaging techniques may allow for nonoperative management of probably benign ovarian neoplasms.     

Giant Pararectal Epidermoid Tumor Mimicking Ovarian Cyst: Combined Laparoscopic and Perineal Surgical Approach

Epidermoid cysts are benign tumors that can develop in any part of the human body. Pelvic cysts adjacent to the rectum develop rarely, and few cases have been described in the literature. We report the case of a 58-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic and perineal excision of a giant pararectal cyst that was discovered during laparoscopy performed for preoperative provisional diagnosis of an adnexal mass detected on an imaging study. To our knowledge, this is the second case of a pararectal cyst excised using combined laparoscopic and perineal approaches. In the hands of skilled laparoscopic surgeons, we suggest a combined laparoscopic and perineal approach for excision of giant pararectal cystic tumors to avert laparotomy.     

Cancer and laparoscopy, experimental studies: a review

OBJECTIVE: To review the experimental studies on laparoscopy and cancer and to propose guidelines for the clinical management of gynecologic cancer. METHODS: The literature in MEDLINE was searched from January 1992 to December 1998 using the terms 'cancer', 'laparoscopy' and 'experimental or animal study'. Cross-referencing identified additional publications. Abstracts and letters to the editor were excluded. All the relevant papers were reviewed. RESULTS: Depending on the model used, controversial results have been reported on the incidence of trocar site metastasis when comparing CO(2) laparoscopy and laparotomy. In contrast, the following conclusions can be proposed: (i) tumour growth after laparotomy is greater than after endoscopy; (ii) tumour dissemination is worse after CO(2) laparoscopy than after laparotomy; (iii) some of the disadvantages of CO(2) laparoscopy may be treated using local or intravenous treatments or avoided using other endoscopic exposure methods, such as gasless laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic treatment of gynecologic cancer has potential advantages and disadvantages, and may only be performed in prospective clinical trials. The risk of dissemination appears high when a large number of malignant cells are present. Adnexal tumours with external vegetations, and bulky lymph nodes should be considered as contra-indications to CO(2) laparoscopy.     

The Safety of Laparoscopic Treatment for Ovarian Dermoid Tumours

Summary: Whilst laparoscopic surgery has largely replaced laparotomy as the standard surgical option for the management of benign ovarian cysts, concern remains regarding the safety of laparoscopy for benign cystic teratomas. This is based on a higher rate of cyst content spillage compared to laparotomy and the known sequelae of chemical peritonitis and granuloma formation. We present 18 cases of laparoscopic dermoid cystectomy with recommendations for specimen removal from the peritoneal cavity. Our findings together with evidence from the literature confirms the safety of laparoscopy for the treatment of ovarian dermoid cysts.     

The Safety of Laparoscopic Treatment for Ovarian Dermoid Tumours

Summary: Whilst laparoscopic surgery has largely replaced laparotomy as the standard surgical option for the management of benign ovarian cysts, concern remains regarding the safety of laparoscopy for benign cystic teratomas. This is based on a higher rate of cyst content spillage compared to laparotomy and the known sequelae of chemical peritonitis and granuloma formation. We present 18 cases of laparoscopic dermoid cystectomy with recommendations for specimen removal from the peritoneal cavity. Our findings together with evidence from the literature confirms the safety of laparoscopy for the treatment of ovarian dermoid cysts.     

Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer

The standard treatment of ovarian cancer includes upfront surgery with intent to accurately diagnose and stage the disease and to perform maximal cytoreduction, followed by chemotherapy in most cases. Surgical staging of ovarian cancer traditionally has included exploratory laparotomy with peritoneal washings, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, multiple peritoneal biopsies, and possible pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. In the early 1990s, pioneers in laparoscopic surgery used minimally invasive techniques to treat gynecologic cancers, including laparoscopic staging of early ovarian cancer and primary and secondary cytoreduction in advanced and recurrent disease in selected cases. Since then, the role of minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology has been continually expanding, and today advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques are used to evaluate and treat cervical and endometrial cancer. However, the important question about the place of the minimally invasive approach in surgical treatment of ovarian cancer remains to be evaluated and answered. Overall, the potential role of minimally invasive surgery in treatment of ovarian cancer is as follows: i) laparoscopic evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of apparent early ovarian cancer; ii) laparoscopic assessment of feasibility of upfront surgical cytoreduction to no visible disease; iii) laparoscopic debulking of advanced ovarian cancer; iv) laparoscopic reassessment in patients with complete remission after primary treatment; and v) laparoscopic assessment and cytoreduction of recurrent disease. The accurate diagnosis of suspect adnexal masses, the safety and feasibility of this surgical approach in early ovarian cancer, the promise of laparoscopy as the most accurate tool for triaging patients with advanced disease for surgery vs upfront chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and its potential in treatment of advanced cancer have been documented and therefore should be incorporated in the surgical methods of every gynecologic oncology unit and in the training programs in gynecologic oncology.