Laparoscopic Anterior Pelvic Exenteration with Super Radical Parametrectomy for a Recurrent Low-Grade Endometrial Sarcoma That is Resistant to Hormone Therapy and Chemotherapy

Study Objective

To show total laparoscopic complete resection of a recurrent low-grade endometrial sarcoma.

Design

Step-by-step demonstration of the technique of laparoscopic anterior pelvic exenteration with super radical parametrectomy, including the explanation of detailed pelvic anatomy (Canadian Task Force classification III).

Setting

Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LGESS) is a rare malignancy that makes up around 0.2% of all uterine malignancies 1]. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a standard treatment; however, the recurrence risk is quite high 2]. For a recurrent LGESS that is resistant to hormone therapy and chemotherapy, complete resection with negative surgical margins (R0 resection) can be the most promising method 3].

Patient

The patient had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy because of a LGESS. Almost 20 years later, a recurrent LGESS was detected at the vaginal stump, and the patient underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. These treatments were inefficacious, and the recurrent tumor progressed. An abdominal computed tomographic scan revealed that the recurrent tumor occupied the vaginal stump, involved the bladder and the left ureter, and extended to the left pelvic sidewall.

Interventions

Anterior pelvic exenteration with super radical parametrectomy was performed laparoscopically with no blood transfusion. R0 resection could be achieved without any intraoperative and postoperative complications. Without any adjuvant treatment, there has been no sign of recurrence during the 12 months that have passed since the surgery. This video obtained institutional review board approval through our local ethics committee in the Cancer Institutional Hospital (institutional review board number 2016-1007).

Conclusion

The good visualization and meticulous dissection provided during laparoscopic surgery can make the approach advantageous and may contribute to R0 achievement.