The laparoscopic-assisted vaginal approach to early endometrial cancer

For the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer laparotomy still is regarded as the gold standard. Over the past decade, the laparoscopic approach has gained equivalence in FIGO stage I carcinomas. Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy plus pelvic/paraaortic lymphadenctomy have shown short-term advantages such as reduced blood loss and shorter hospitalization without reducing oncological safety or outcome. This has already been confirmed by numerous smaller studies and recent randomized controlled trials with sufficient numbers of patients are being published. Further acceptance of the technique is necessary to enable every gynecological oncologist to individualize treatment by offering minimal access options.