Robotic Extraperitoneal Paraaortic Lymphadenectomy in Gynecological Cancers: Feasibility, Safety, and Short-Term Outcomes of Isolated and Combined Procedures

A Review of Laparoscopic Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy for Early-stage Endometrial Cancer: Extraperitoneal Approach May Have the Advantage over Intraperitoneal Approach

The importance of lymphadenectomy, including para-aortic nodes, for the accurate staging of endometrial cancer, is well established. Although the therapeutic role of lymph node resection in endometrial cancer is still under debate, some studies support its usefulness for survival benefit. To predict the necessity of lymphadenectomy, several preoperative scoring systems have been proposed as being effective. For endometrial cancer, there is a trend towards minimally invasive surgery, including para-aortic lymphadenectomy. For para-aortic lymphadenectomy, there are two different approaches: the extraperitoneal approach and the transperitoneal approach. The extraperitoneal approach has advantages over the transperitoneal approach in terms of better access to the left aortic nodes, no interference of the bowel, and possibly better options for obese or elderly patients. However, the extraperitoneal approach may have a longer learning curve than the transperitoneal approach. Robot-assisted extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy is feasible and safe and may be suitable for patients irrespective of their baseline characteristics.

Robot-assisted Extraperitoneal Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy Is Associated with Fewer Surgical Complications: A Post Hoc Analysis of the STELLA-2 Randomized Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PALND) using a robot-assisted approach was associated with fewer complications than all other approaches (conventional laparoscopic transperitoneal or extraperitoneal and robot-assisted transperitoneal) without compromising lymph node yield, operative time, or length of stay.

DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of the prospective randomized open-label multicenter trial (STELLA-2).

SETTING

Three academic referral hospitals.

PATIENTS

Two hundred and three eligible patients from the STELLA-2 trial were included.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients were randomized to extraperitoneal or transperitoneal PALND using a minimally invasive approach (either laparoscopic or robot-assisted) for surgical staging of endometrial or ovarian cancer. The minimally invasive approaches were not subjected to randomization.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary end point was evaluated through a composite variable that included at least 1 of the following events: blood loss ≥500 mL during PALND, any intraoperative complication related to PALND, severe postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo ≥grade IIIA), impossibility of completing the procedure, or conversion to laparotomy. Of the 203 patients analyzed, 68 were assigned to the extraperitoneal laparoscopic group (X-L), 62 to the transperitoneal laparoscopic group (T-L), 35 to the extraperitoneal robotic group (X-R), and 38 to the transperitoneal robotic group (T-R). A reduced trend in complications was observed in the extraperitoneal robot-assisted arm when considering the primary end point (X-L: 25.0%, T-L: 24.2%, X-R: 5.7%, T-R: 28.9%; p = .073). In a multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.09), body mass index (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16), and waist-to-hip ratio (OR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.12-2.47) were found to independently increase the risk of PALND complications, whereas the extraperitoneal robotic approach (OR 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.64) was an independent protective factor for complication occurrence.

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted extraperitoneal PALND is associated with fewer surgical complications, without compromising lymph node retrieval, operative time, or length of stay. Robot-enhanced 3D visualization, surgeon ergonomics, or hemostatic precision could explain our results.

Docking for robotic extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy with Da Vinci Xi surgical system

Regarding extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy, installation is key when performed with the assistance of the Da Vinci Xi robotic system. We developed a step-by-step guide, from patient installation to placement of the trocars to patient cart docking, to perform in the efficient and safest installation possible this procedure. The operation does not differ from standard laparoscopic extraperitoneal lymphadenectomy. The benefits of robotic surgery in this indication are comparable to those of the standard laparoscopic approach. Those benefits imply a precise knowledge of the management and installation of the da Vinci Xi robotic system.

Dual docking robotic surgical staging for high risk endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

The standard of care for patients with high intermediate and high risk endometrial cancer is surgical staging including total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Over the past decade, laparoscopic or robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery has showed many benefits in the management of endometrial cancer. Few studies have specifically assessed the use of minimally invasive surgery for staging of high risk endometrial cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, the morbidity and oncologic outcomes of dual docking robot-assisted surgical staging of high risk endometrial cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study from January 2014 to March 2016 in patients with high risk endometrial cancer who underwent dual docking robotic hysterectomy with pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy (± omentectomy). Patients' demographics, operative time, conversion rate, intra and postoperative complications, pathologic results, length of stay and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria. Staging surgical procedure was performed robotically with a dual docking in 18 patients. Two patients were converted to laparotomy (1 for bladder extension, 1 for exposure reasons) and no patient had a laparoconversion for complication (conversion rate 10%). One patient was post operatively re-operated within 30 days because of port hernia. In one case, paraaortic lymphadenectomy was not performed because of hemorrhage risk. When the procedure was performed with robot-assisted surgery, the median number of paraaortic nodes was 19.5 (3-45). The median operative time was 240 min (180-300). Eighty-five percent (17/20) of patients were discharged at day 4 or before. The median time to start adjuvant treatments, when indicated, was 5.5 weeks. With a median follow up of 8 months (1-18 months), no tumor recurrence was reported.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgical staging with dual docking in women with high risk endometrial cancer seems to be feasible with few complications. More studies are required to assess the safety of robotic surgery and its impact on survival.

Extraperitoneal Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy by Robot-Assisted Laparoscopy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes of extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy.

DESIGN

A retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

An academic institution.

PATIENTS

Twenty-three consecutive patients with gynecologic cancer who presented for para-aortic lymphadenectomy between March 2016 and May 2017 were reviewed retrospectively.

INTERVENTIONS

Extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy was performed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 23 patients reviewed retrospectively, 10 had cervical cancer, 7 had endometrial cancer, 5 had adnexal cancer, and 1 had vaginal cancer. Data regarding patient characteristics, indication for para-aortic lymphadenectomy, type of surgery (infrarenal or inframesenteric), operative time, surgical complications, number of nodes retrieved, and postoperative hospital length of stay were collected. Two patients were excluded because of early perforation of the peritoneum. In total, 21 para-aortic lymphadenectomies were performed (16 infrarenal and 5 inframesenteric). The median skin-to-skin operating time of infrarenal extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy was 170 minutes (range, 90-225 minutes), the median lymph node count was 18 (range, 11-38), and the median estimated blood loss was 50 mL (range, 10-600 mL). The median skin-to-skin operating time of inframesenteric extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy was 120 minutes (range, 90-220 minutes), the median lymph node count was 10 (range, 7-19), and the median estimated blood loss was 30 mL (range, 10-100). Intraoperative complications included 1 thermal lesion of the left genitofemoral nerve, 1 thermal lesion of the left mesoureter (a ureteral stent was placed to avoid ureteric necrosis and fistula without after effect), and 1 lesion of the inferior vena cava that was sutured by robot-assisted laparoscopy. There were 2 additional cases of perforation of the peritoneum that occurred in the infrarenal group. The median hospital length of stay was 1 day (range, 0-7 days). Three patients were readmitted for symptomatic lymphocysts.

CONCLUSION

Extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy provides good visualization of the operative field without arm conflict. Still, perforation of the peritoneum and symptomatic lymphocysts are a postoperative concern.

Extraperitoneal Robotic-Assisted Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy in Gynecologic Cancer Staging: Current Evidence

We reviewed the current evidence on the safety, effectiveness, and applicability of extraperitoneal robotic-assisted para-aortic lymphadenectomy (ExtRA-PAL) as the staging procedure of gynecologic malignancies. PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for original studies reporting outcomes of ExtRA-PAL. Quality of the included studies and their level of recommendation were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, respectively. Overall, 62 studies were identified; after a process of evidence acquisition 5 original investigations were available for this review that included 98 patients undergoing ExtRA-PAL. The main surgical indication was staging for cervical cancer (n = 71, 72%). The mean (SD) number of para-aortic node yielded was 15.4 (±4.7) nodes. Blood transfusion and intraoperative complication rates were 2% and 6%, respectively. ExtRA-PAL was completed in 88 patients (90%). Six (6%) and 4 (4%) patients had conversion to other minimally invasive procedures and open surgery, respectively. Success rate was 99% among patients undergoing ExtRA-PAL without concomitant procedures. Overall, mean (SD) length of hospital stay was 2.8 (±0.5) days. Twenty-four patients (24%) developed postoperative events. According to the Clavien-Dindo grading system, grades IIIa and IIIb morbidity rates were 12% and 2%, respectively. No grades IV and V morbidity occurred. ExtRA-PAL is associated with a high success rate and a relative low morbidity rate. However, because of the limited data on this issue, further studies are warranted to assess the long-term effectiveness of this procedure.

Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in gynaecological neoplasms: comparison of extraperitoneal and transperitoneal lymphadenectomy

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of our study is to review the till now available literature data on the role of robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in gynaecological cancers by comparing the extraperitoneal versus the transperitoneal approach.

METHODS

A thorough and systematic search was performed in electronic databases of PubMed and Scopus.

RESULTS

The extraperitoneal approach is described in 148 patients. The age of the patients ranged from 26 to 78 years. The indications included cervical, endometrial and ovarian carcinoma in 113, 22 and 12 patients, respectively. The operative time ranged between 45 and 410 min. The number of dissected lymph nodes ranged from 3 to 25, while only 13 of them were found to be positive. The mean estimated blood loss during the operation was 77 ml (range <50-200 ml). Seven cases were converted to open. The duration of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 14 days. The transperitoneal approach is described in 898 patients. The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 89 years. Cervical, endometrial and ovarian carcinomas were the principal neoplasias present in 248, 449 and 164 patients, respectively. The operative time ranged from 19 to 633 min. The number of dissected lymph nodes ranged from 1 to 54, while the total number of patients with positive lymph nodes dissected was 56 patients. The estimated blood loss during the operation varied between 20 and 1800 ml. Only 9 out of 898 patients were converted to open. The duration of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 40 days.

CONCLUSION

A reliable definition of the "kind" of lymphadenectomy used in each study is the first step in order to reach safe conclusions. The lack of comparative studies, especially the randomized ones, cannot help us draw any safe conclusion regarding both the clinical outcomes and the possibility of any superiority of these different approaches (extraperitoneal and transperitoneal).