Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in high body mass index (BMI) patients: a report of six cases

Abstract

In this case series, six women with high and very high body mass index (BMI; range, 30–65) underwent LAVH + bilateral salphingo-ophorectomy and removal of vaginal cuff under general anaesthesia for endometrial cancer. Initial Verres needle entry and insufflation was through the left upper quadrant at sub-coastal margin. With good surgical outcome, shorter hospitalisation and improved quality of life, we found that laparoscopic surgery was feasible in high and very high BMI patients with early stage endometrial cancer.

Introduction

Endometrial cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in the United Kingdom (UK) with around 6,430 cases diagnosed each year, which accounts for about 5% of all female cancers. There were 1,637 deaths from cancer in the UK in 2005, accounting for only 2.2% of all female cancer deaths in the UK. Incidence of uterine cancer is rising in postmenopausal women, but 5-year survival rates have improved to more than 75% [1]. Obesity and nulliparity have long been recognised as risk factors for the development of uterine cancer.

Traditional approach for staging and treatment of the endometrial cancer is mainly by an exploratory laparotomy through midline incision with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy (TAH+BSO), peritoneal washings and/or pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy [2]. With the widespread usage and experience gained from laparoscopy, this has been extended as a treatment modality for patients affected by this cancer.

In our case series, believed to be one among few early studies in UK being undertaken, we looked at scenarios of women with high and very high BMI diagnosed with endometrial cancer undergoing LAVH+BSO and removal of vaginal cuff under general anaesthesia (GA).

Materials and methods

Once suspected or diagnosed of uterine cancer, all patients were fast tracked through the system with 6-week rule for investigation and treatment. Management was based on local gynecological oncology network guidelines (Lancashire and South Cumbria cancer network). All patients had regular cervical screening with no abnormality, and none used hormone replacement therapy. They all had trans-abdominal and endo-vaginal scan followed by diagnostic hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy (Tables 1 and 2). Cases 2 and 5 had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in view of highly suspicious-looking endometrium on hysteroscopy. Our policy is to perform MRI in all patients where cancer is diagnosed. It is avoided in patients who cannot fit into the machine or claustrophobic. All patients had preoperative follow-up in a gynaecological outpatient clinic and anaesthetic review in view of co-morbid conditions (Table 3). Preoperative investigations include full blood count, liver and renal function tests and chest X-ray were carried out. Patients were fully counselled about the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopy, including risk of conversion to laparotomy.

Table 1 Summary of patient characteristics and histopathology reports

Table 2 Investigations performed

Table 3 Co-morbidity status and post-operative data

They underwent LAVH+BSO with removal of vaginal cuff under GA except case 4 who did not have removal of vaginal cuff. Patients with disseminated disease and previous multiple laparotomies, which increase the chance of visceral injuries by extensive intra-peritoneal adhesions, are contraindications. All cases were discussed in the multidisciplinary meeting both pre- and post-operatively. Not all patients required pelvic drain. Drain was placed only in those cases were postoperative bleeding is suspected. Patients were catheterised for 24 h. Prophylactic intra- and post-operative antibiotics, and post-operative thrombo-prophylaxis were given as in-patients. Vagina was packed with antiseptic ribbon gauge. Rectus sheath from the 10-mm port sites were closed with the help of J-shaped needle. Drain and pack were removed on the following morning. All women checked for post-operative haemoglobin on day 2. Routine 6-week outpatient follow-up were arranged for clinical examination. Subsequent follow-ups will be three monthly for the first year, four monthly for the second year and then six monthly for next 3 years before being discharged.

In all the cases, same surgeon (with a special interest in laparoscopy in high BMI patients) performed the operation with the help of two assistants. Patients were placed in lithotomic position. Initial entry with Verres needle for CO₂ insufflation was performed through the left upper quadrant, at the height of the dome of the lower margin of the left sub-coastal region. Verres needle is passed perpendicularly by the margin of the sub-coastal region with an initial pressure of 25 mmHg; as it traverses the abdominal layers, the pressure increases to 50 mmHg, and once it breaches the peritoneal layer, the pressure immediately drops to <9 mmHg high/free flow of the gas [3].

After successful pneumoperitoneum, the first 10-mm port is placed in the left upper quadrant. Subsequently, three more ports (one 10 mm and two 5 mm) are placed under vision. Case two had five port entries. For improved access to pelvic cavity, we routinely used preoperative bowel preparation and, intra-operatively, endo-retractor for bowels. Short period of Trendelenberg’s position were used until the upper pedicles were secured. Coagulation and cutting of the salphinges were undertaken, along with the opening of the anterior leaf of the broad ligament. Gas let out, leaving all the cannulas and camera in place for later checking of haemostasis. The rest of the procedure was carried out vaginally. Uterine pedicles were secured from below.

Results

See the summary of information in the following Tables 1, 2 and 3.

Discussion

The use of laparoscopy in cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers has significantly improved over the last 15 years. Laparoscopic surgery for women with endometrial carcinoma was first reported by Childers and Surwit in 1991 and considered high BMI as exclusion criteria for laparoscopic staging [4]. Over the years, the experience gained with improved instrumentation and techniques; laparoscopic procedures have been generally regarded as safe and feasible in women with high BMI patients [5–7]. Stages 1a–c and 2a and b are managed by LAVH+BSO and removal of vaginal cuff +/− pelvic aortic node sampling. As per protocol advanced stages 1c and stage 2, high-grade or aggressive variants such as papillary serous or clear cell will have pelvic aortic lymph node sampling for surgical staging.

In our case series, neither procedural nor anaesthetic-related complications were encountered. However, other investigators [8] have reported abdominal wall haematomas and operative blood loss requiring blood transfusion, cuff cellulites and ileus requiring readmissions, intra-abdominal and pelvic abscesses, small bowel obstruction secondary to herniation through a 5-mm port site and septic thrombophlebitis. In view of these risk factors, we routinely gave prophylactic intra- and post-operative antibiotics for two successive days. In addition, a closed suction drain is placed into the pelvic cavity at the end of the vaginal procedure. In a prospective study involving 40 patients, conversion to laparotomy was seen in 7.5% cases with women of BMI greater than 28, but the morbidity and length of hospitalization were compared to women with low BMIs [9]. Other complications reported are small bowel obstruction secondary to herniation through laparoscopic 10-mm trocar sites, rarely through 5-mm trocar sites, cystotomy, ureteral transection, bleeding from the inferior epigastric vessels and pneumothorax [9].

No statistically significant differences in recurrence and survival rates have been noticed in short-term follow-up and have led to recommendation of laparoscopic procedures as a routine treatment option for endometrial cancer [10–13]. In a recent retrospective study involving 169 patients, the recurrence rate in the LAVH group was 8.7%, compared with 16% in the laparotomy group. In the same study, overall survival and disease-free survival for the LAVH were 93% and 91%, compared with 86% and 84% in the TAH, respectively (insignificant) [14]. In another recent retrospective study involving 273 patients, the surgical technique of an open or closed vaginal cuff during open or laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer showed no significant impact on the local recurrence rate [15]. Following 8 months follow-up, none of our six patients have had any complications.

The only drawback reported is longer operating time [10, 16, 17]. The operating time in all the patients was within 2 h, except case 1 where it was 4 h in view of laparoscopic repair of umbilical hernia. Cases 2, 4 and 6 underwent additional operations of laparoscopic adhesiolysis. All our patients recuperated uneventfully from the operation, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 4 days (Table 3). None of them required blood transfusion, as the maximum drop of haemoglobin was two in case 2, indicating less intra-operative blood loss. Most women had simple analgesia for postoperative pain, paracetamol and diclofenac. Case 1 had patient-controlled epidural analgesia for 3 days; cases 5 and 6 had patient-controlled IV morphine for 1 day (Table 2). None of the patients required night sedation.

In a prospective study involving 86 non-selective patients, Eltabbakh et al. concluded that the majority of women with early stage endometrial carcinoma could be treated with laparoscopy with an excellent surgical outcome, shorter hospitalisation, earlier recovery and improved quality of life [8]. Similar findings were reported by others in non-selective patients [10, 14, 18–20]. In one retrospective review of 90 patients, laparoscopic staging appeared to be a feasible alternative to traditional abdominal surgery for stage I and stage II disease, including no difference in disease recurrence in both of the groups [21].

From the patients’ point of view, there is less risk of wound infection, haematomas, pneumonia, major bleeding as well as decreased chances of deep venous thrombosis from early ambulation. In consequence, there will be shorter hospital stay, less chances of hospital-acquired infection especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and early return to full normal activity. This also means reduced overall costs and improved efficiency of hospitals from increased turnover of beds. Other investigators too noted lower hospital costs in patients undergoing laparoscopic staging [10, 22].

In conclusion, the small incisions required for laparoscopic surgery and the absence of bowel manipulation decrease postoperative pain and ileus, and allowed for early ambulation and discharge. Our experience shows that they resumed full normal activity earlier (within 2 weeks) compared to having total abdominal hysterectomy. These patients were significantly more satisfied from the good outcome of the laparoscopic surgery as avoidance of large abdominal incisions. It has been proven beyond doubt that wound infection following laparotomy in obese women poses significant morbidity. Patient motivation and multidisciplinary involvement are crucial for the good outcome in women with very high BMI patients. For above-mentioned reasons, we underscore the safety and feasibility of the laparoscopic surgery in high and very high BMI patients with early stage endometrial cancer. However, larger studies are required to draw final conclusions.