Laparoscopic versus abdominal hysterectomy in the treatment of endometrial cancer

Up until 20 years ago, laparotomy was the single method of surgical treatment for endometrial cancer. Wider acceptance for the laparoscopic approach has been gained by gynecologic surgeons as an alternative surgical method. Clinical application of laparoscopic surgery has grown rapidly, yet it remains to be proven if this technique has brought great benefits. The location of minimal-access surgery in gynecologic oncology has proven effective particularly with the growth of exchanged experience among surgeons. As operative laparoscopy in gynecologic oncology remains novel, the potentiality of the procedure is underscored. In this review, we survey the literature on this technique and critically evaluate the indications, limitations, as well as the benefits and risks of this approach to hysterectomy. Due regard should be given certain patients with indications for an abdominal hysterectomy to the benefits that laparoscopic hysterectomy may offer.