Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery to stage early ovarian cancer is still regarded as pioneering among gynecologic oncologists. Previous retrospective experiences demonstrated the safety and feasibility of laparoscopy in this field.
Aims: To review the laparoscopic staging procedure in a series of patients with early ovarian cancer and compare results with the literature.
Materials and methods: From January 2004 to September 2011, 19 patients with apparent early stage ovarian/fallopian tube cancer Stage IA to IC underwent either primary treatment or completion staging by laparoscopy. Surgical, pathologic, and oncologic outcomes were analyzed.
Results: The mean operative time was 212 +/- 69 minutes. Three patients (16%) underwent fertility sparing surgery. The mean estimated blood loss was two +/- two g/dl. The mean number of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes collected was 17 (range 7-27) and 14 (range 8-21), respectively. The mean volume of ovarian/tubal tumor was 119 cm3 (range 1.5-500). The disease was reclassified to a higher stage in ten women (52%). One major intraoperative complication (five percent) occurred which required the conversion to laparotomy. The mean follow up period was 30 +/- 16 months (range 10-74). Overall survival and disease-free survival were 100% and 84%, respectively.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic staging of early ovarian cancer appears to be feasible and comprehensive when performed by gynecologic oncologists experienced with advanced laparoscopy.