Lymphadenectomy for Endometrial Cancer
Surgery Overview
Lymphadenectomy is surgery to remove lymph nodes. A lymphadenectomy, also called lymph node dissection, may be done to examine the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes for endometrial cancer cells. The removal and examination of the cancerous lymph nodes will determine the exact stage and grade of the cancer and may reduce the spread of the disease. The procedure can be done through an abdominal incision or by laparoscope.
A lymphadenectomy may be done:
- If cancer cells are found in certain lymph nodes that were removed in an earlier surgical procedure.
- As part of a hysterectomy if cancer has invaded the deep part of the muscle, the cancer is of higher grade, or your doctor suspects that cancer may spread to other parts of the body.
Lymphadenectomy usually is an extensive operation in which lymph nodes are removed. This is needed because cancer can spread through the lymph system to other areas of the body.
What To Expect
Lymphadenectomy usually is done under general anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery may take longer than open surgery. But if the procedure is done with a laparoscope rather than by open abdominal incision, recovery time may be shorter.
Why It Is Done
Some doctors recommend that a lymphadenectomy be done in all cases of endometrial cancer. Others believe that this procedure might not be needed when the cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage and is found to be a slow-growing grade. Lymphadenectomy may be needed if:
- Cancer cells are found in selected lymph nodes that were removed in an earlier surgical procedure.
- Cancer cells are found in a lymph node at the time you are having surgery.
- Your pelvic lymph nodes are enlarged.
- Cancer cells are a higher grade (faster-growing).
- Cancer cells have grown into the muscle of the uterus, the cervix, or other areas of the pelvis.
- The cancer is large.
How Well It Works
The removal of lymph nodes helps your doctor find out whether cancer is present and provides more accurate information about the extent and type of cancer cell growth. Removal of the cancerous lymph nodes may reduce the spread of cancer.
Risks
Risks of a lymphadenectomy include:
- Lymphedema.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Collection of lymph fluid in the pelvis (lymphocele).
Current as of: March 28, 2018
