Transperitoneal laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection using the argon-beam coagulator and monopolar instruments: An 8-year study and description of technique Journal Article


Authors: Abu-Rustum, N. R.; Chi, D. S.; Sonoda, Y.; DiClemente, M. J.; Bekker, G.; Gemignani, M.; Poynor, E.; Brown, C.; Barakat, R. R.
Article Title: Transperitoneal laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection using the argon-beam coagulator and monopolar instruments: An 8-year study and description of technique
Abstract: Objective. The objective was to describe the results, technique, and complications of transperitoneal laparoscopic (LSC) pelvic and aortic lymph node dissection (LND) using the argon-beam coagulator (ABC) and monopolar electrosurgical instruments in women with gynecologic malignancies. Methods. A retrospective chart review of 114 patients who underwent LSC pelvic and/or aortic LND in addition to other LSC procedures between 1/1994 and 12/2001 was conducted. All intraoperative complications and complications that occurred within the first 30 postoperative days were included. Complications were graded according to an institutional surgical secondary events reference. During the same time period, 89 patients underwent LSC followed immediately by laparotomy that included LND, resulting in a total of 203 cases. These 203 total cases are used as a denominator to determine the etiology of cases converted from LSC to laparotomy. Monopolar electrosurgical instruments or the 10-mm ABC (Conmed) set at 70 W with argon flow of 3-4 L/m min were used for laparoscopic nodal dissection. Results. Sixty-one of 114 (53%) patients underwent pelvic LND, 35 (31%) underwent both pelvic and aortic LND, and 18 (16%) underwent aortic LND only. Mean patient age and body mass index were 53.3 years (range, 16 to 87 years) and 25 (range, 16 to 40), respectively. In addition, the mean number of pelvic and aortic lymph nodes removed was 10.7 (range, 1 to 39) and 5.7 (range, 0 to 21), respectively. The mean estimated blood loss was 151 mL (range, 25 to 600 ml) and the mean hospital stay was 2.8 days (range, 0 to 35 days). Overall, complications occurred in eight (7%) cases. There were no fatal complications, and no patient required conversion to laparotomy due to uncontrollable bleeding from the laparoscopic nodal dissection. Only 17 of 203 (8%) patients required conversion to laparotomy secondary to adhesions and unsatisfactory exposure. Conclusions. Laparoscopic pelvic and aortic LND for gynecologic malignancies can be satisfactorily performed in the majority of patients, with only 8% of patients requiring conversion to laparotomy due to adhesions or unsatisfactory exposure. The overall complication rate was 7% and was limited to grade 3 or less. © 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Keywords: adolescent; adult; controlled study; treatment outcome; aged; aged, 80 and over; middle aged; surgical technique; retrospective studies; major clinical study; clinical trial; methodology; lymph node metastasis; lymph node dissection; paraaortic lymph node; pelvis lymph node; lymph nodes; lymphatic metastasis; laparoscopy; laparoscopic surgery; laparotomy; lymph node excision; lymphadenectomy; controlled clinical trial; infection; bleeding; vagina disease; deep vein thrombosis; pathology; retrospective study; age; lung embolism; postoperative complication; genital neoplasms, female; lymphedema; hospitalization; body mass; instrumentation; lymph node; blood vessel injury; nerve injury; gynecologic surgical procedures; intestine obstruction; hematoma; electrosurgery; gynecologic surgery; female genital tract tumor; uterine cervix carcinoma; intestine injury; laser coagulation; lymphocele; ureter injury; pneumoperitoneum; argon plasma coagulation; humans; human; female; priority journal; article; cystic lymphangioma
Journal Title: Gynecologic Oncology
Volume: 89
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0090-8258
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2003-06-01
Start Page: 504
End Page: 513
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/s0090-8258(03)00154-9
PUBMED: 12798719
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 12 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Richard R Barakat
    629 Barakat
  2. Carol Brown
    167 Brown
  3. Dennis S Chi
    707 Chi
  4. Mary L Gemignani
    218 Gemignani
  5. Yukio Sonoda
    472 Sonoda
  6. Elizabeth Poynor
    32 Poynor