Weight-Loss Interventions and Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Implantation for Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer and Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia to Reduce Perioperative Risk of Severely Obese Patients

Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2023 Aug 10;12(3):175-178. doi: 10.4103/gmit.gmit_98_22. eCollection 2023 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Endometrial cancer (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) are associated with obesity, which increases the perioperative morbidity and surgical difficulties in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Weight-loss interventions (WLIs) are likely to reduce morbidity; however, delayed surgery may cause cancer progression. To minimize the tumor progression, levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with minimal side effects was used until the planned surgery. During 2016 and 2021, we conducted preoperative management of WLI using LNG-IUS for seven highly obese women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2 who had AEH and EC with Grade 1 and no myometrial invasion on magnetic resonance imaging. In three of the seven patients, the BMI decreased by more than 5. Two patients with AEH achieved remission after LNG-IUS placement and requested conservative management. Five patients with EC underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy, without perioperative complications.

Keywords: Atypical endometrial hyperplasia; endometrial cancer; levonorgestrel intrauterine system; preoperative management; weight-loss interventions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports