THE ROLE OF LAPAROSCOPY IN GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

The use of laparoscopy in the management of gynecologic malignancies h as significantly increased over the last 5 years. The safety and adequ acy of pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy has been established by several investigators. Patients with early carcinoma of the cervix are now undergoing Schauta (radical vaginal) hysterectomy after laparosco pic lymphadenectomy, Patients with carcinoma of the endometrium are tr eated by laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in conjunction with laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Staging and second-look procedures are now being performed laparoscopically in pa tients with carcinoma of the ovary. The Gynecologic Oncology Group is currently investigating the role of laparoscopic surgery for patients with carcinoma of the cervix, endometrium, and ovary in four Phase II trials. A randomized Phase III trial comparing laparoscopy to laparoto my for patients with carcinoma of the endometrium will begin soon.