Robotic infrarenal paraaortic and pelvic nodal staging for endometrial cancer: feasibility and lymphatic complications

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and lymphatic complications of robotic pelvic and infrarenal paraaortic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients diagnosed with high risk endometrial cancer during the study period were identified (n = 212). Clinical prospective data, with reassessment of lymphatic complications, was analysed for all cases (n = 140) planned for a complete robotic nodal staging. The outcome measures were: success rate of infrarenal paraaortic lymphadenectomy, the rate of lymphatic complications and factors associated with nodal yield. RESULTS: Of the 212 women, an open or restricted robotic procedure was performed in 57 women (27%) and no operation in 15 (7%), the latter due to disseminated disease or comorbidity. In 140 women (66%) in whom staging was intended, the lymphadenectomy included the infrarenal area in 70%, was restricted to the inframesenteric area in 21% and aborted or incomplete in 9%. The median number of paraaortic nodes was 10 (range 2-39). An unsuccessful staging was associated with high BMI and the surgeon's inexperience. At 1 year, three patients (2%) had developed a grade two lower limb lymphedema. Eleven women (8%) demonstrated pelvic lymphocysts; seven (64%) resolved spontaneously. Only one paraaortic lymphocyst was found; this required drainage. No cases of chylous ascites occurred. CONCLUSIONS: An infrarenal robotic paraaortic lymphadenectomy is feasible in 70% of high risk endometrial cancer cases when intended (88% in non-obese patients operated by experienced surgeons), but is restricted in obese patients and by surgeon's inexperience.